Investigating the mechanisms to close gender inequality in Nigeria’s construction consultancy participation to achieving sustainable development Goal 5

Andrew Ebekozien ,Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed ,Wellington Didibhuku Thwala ,Clinton Aigbavboa ,Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan

doi:10.24294/jipd11215

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Investigating the mechanisms to close gender inequality in Nigeria’s construction consultancy participation to achieving sustainable development Goal 5

Andrew Ebekozien

Mohamed Ahmed Hafez Ahmed

Wellington Didibhuku Thwala

Clinton Aigbavboa

Mohamad Shaharudin Samsurijan

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2025, 9(1), 11215; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd11215

Submitted：24 Feb 2024

Accepted：22 Mar 2024

Published：25 Jan 2025

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Abstract

The target date for achieving the 2030 UN Agenda [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] is fast approaching. The construction sector is critical to achieving many SDGs, including Goal 5. Studies regarding achieving Goal 5 (Gender Equality) in the construction industry, especially women’s consultancy participation in developing countries, are scarce and complexly interrelated. Societal problems and divergence may have contributed to this. Therefore, this study explores issues hindering gender equality and suggests measures to promote more women construction consultants through policy to improve achieving Goal 5 in Nigeria. The research employed face-to-face data collection via a qualitative mechanism to achieve this. The study covered Abuja and Lagos. It accomplished saturation at the 20th participant. The research utilised a thematic method to analyse the collected data from knowledgeable participants. The perceived hindrances facing Nigerian construction consultants’ gender equality were clustered into culture/religion-related, profession-related, and government-related encumbrances. Achieving Goal 5 will be a mirage if these issues are not addressed. Thus, the study recommended measures to motivate women to study construction-related programmes and employment opportunities, including consultancy services slots through programmes and policy mechanisms to achieve Goal 5. As part of the implications, the study suggests that Nigerian construction consultants and other stakeholders need to make feasible improvements to achieve gender equality (Goal 5).

Keywords

resource collaboration platform

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