A New Era for Women Town Planners in Lagos: Yemisi Alaka Unveils Five-Point Agenda
Yemisi Alaka, the newly elected Chairperson of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, has outlined a comprehensive five-point agenda aimed at empowering women within the field of urban planning and promoting sustainable development in the state. Alaka’s vision, articulated during her investiture ceremony, centers on fostering professional growth, advocating for inclusive policies, building strategic partnerships, ensuring transparent governance, and championing professionalism and inclusivity within the association. This ambitious roadmap signals a renewed focus on addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women town planners in shaping the urban landscape of Lagos.
Promoting Professional Development and Capacity Building: Alaka’s first priority is to equip members with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. This commitment recognizes the importance of continuous learning and professional development in a rapidly evolving field like urban planning. By providing access to training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, the association aims to enhance the technical expertise and leadership capabilities of its members, enabling them to contribute effectively to the complexities of urban development. This focus on capacity building will not only empower individual women but also strengthen the collective voice of the association in advocating for positive change within the profession.
Advocating for Inclusive Policies and Programs: Recognizing the systemic barriers that often hinder women’s participation in urban planning, Alaka has pledged to advocate for policies and programs that promote gender equality and inclusivity. This involves engaging with government agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the unique perspectives and contributions that women bring to the field. By pushing for gender-sensitive urban development strategies, the association aims to create a more equitable and representative planning process that considers the needs of all members of society. This advocacy work will encompass promoting equal opportunities for women in leadership positions, addressing gender pay gaps, and challenging discriminatory practices within the profession.
Fostering Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations: Alaka’s vision extends beyond the internal workings of the association, emphasizing the importance of building strategic partnerships and collaborations with a diverse range of stakeholders. This includes collaborating with government agencies, private sector organizations, academia, and civil society groups to create a synergistic approach to urban development. By fostering these partnerships, the association aims to leverage collective expertise, resources, and influence to address complex urban challenges and promote sustainable solutions. These collaborations will also provide valuable networking opportunities for members, expanding their professional reach and influence.
Ensuring Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance: Recognizing the importance of strong internal governance, Alaka has committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical practices within the association. This focus on good governance will strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of the organization, fostering trust among members and external stakeholders. By implementing transparent decision-making processes, promoting open communication, and upholding ethical standards, the association aims to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all members. This commitment to good governance will also enhance the association’s ability to advocate for change and influence policy decisions.
Championing Professionalism and Inclusivity: Alaka’s final point underscores the importance of professionalism and inclusivity as guiding principles for the association. By promoting a culture of excellence, ethical conduct, and mutual respect, the association aims to enhance the professional image of women town planners and strengthen their collective voice. This commitment to professionalism will also attract and retain talented individuals, fostering a vibrant and dynamic membership base. The emphasis on inclusivity recognizes the diversity within the association and seeks to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members, regardless of their background or experience. This inclusive approach will empower a wider range of voices to contribute to the association’s goals and enrich the overall planning process.
Alaka’s five-point agenda represents a bold and forward-looking vision for the Association of Women Town Planners in Lagos. By prioritizing professional development, advocating for inclusive policies, building strategic partnerships, ensuring good governance, and championing professionalism and inclusivity, she aims to empower women within the field and contribute to the creation of more equitable and sustainable urban environments. Her call for collaboration and engagement from all members signals a collective effort to shape the future of urban planning in Lagos and beyond. The presence of Professor Yusuf Olabisi of Lagos State University as the guest speaker at the investiture, discussing the theme ‘Women Town Planners: Building Inclusive and Resilient Communities – A Gender Sensitive Approach to Urban Development,’ further underscores the commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban planning.
