Mrs. Ajoke Akintola, Coordinator of the Women-In-Surveying Federal Capital Territory chapter in Abuja, has called upon Nigerian women to become more actively engaged in the built environment to foster national development. This call to action was made during the annual Women-in-Surveying seminar held recently in Abuja, with the theme “Inspiring the Career Woman; Positioning Her for Excellence.” Akintola highlighted the critical importance of women’s empowerment within the surveying profession, asserting that their contributions are increasingly proving to be invaluable not only within their field but also in broader societal contexts. She underscored the notion that increasing female participation can significantly enhance productivity and facilitate a better gender balance in the surveying industry, particularly in the rapidly growing Federal Capital Territory.
The seminar featured Dr. Moses Mefe, a senior lecturer from the Department of Geomatics at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, as the guest speaker. Dr. Mefe called for greater governmental support for the surveying profession in Nigeria, emphasizing that the involvement of women in this area could lead to substantial technological advancements. His argument stressed that inclusive practices within the workforce are essential for fostering a balanced and progressive environment in the surveying field. This perspective resonates with the broader discussions about gender equity in various professional sectors, particularly those that have traditionally been male-dominated.
Dr. Maureen Tamuno, General Manager of the Abuja Investment Company Limited, also addressed the attendees through the company’s Secretary, Adah Amadi. She echoed the call for women to intensify their efforts in advancing their careers within the surveying profession. Emphasizing commitment, Amadi remarked on the importance of women fostering dedication to their professional growth and development. The combined insights from these leaders framed a robust narrative around the necessity of taking action to support women within the surveying field and beyond.
The sentiment among participants at the seminar was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing optimism about the roles that women can play in the surveying profession. There was a collective belief that, with support from relevant stakeholders, women could drive essential developments across Nigeria’s surveying landscape. The idea of creating a more inclusive environment, where women feel empowered to contribute and innovate, was a recurring theme in the discussions. Participants recognized that substantive change requires engagement from all levels of society, including government, private sectors, and educational institutions.
In her welcome address, Akintola reinforced the seminar’s purpose, which was to provide a platform for sharing insights, experiences, and strategies aimed at inspiring women in their careers. She urged attendees to engage fully with the program, network with one another, and critically assess how they can cultivate a supportive atmosphere for women in the surveying profession. By focusing on collaboration and mutual support, the seminar sought to empower female professionals to break through barriers and strive for excellence in their careers.
Overall, the Women-in-Surveying seminar not only highlighted the need for increased female participation in the surveying field but also served as a gathering space for exchanging ideas and strategies aimed at fostering an environment conducive to professional growth. With influential voices advocating for women’s empowerment and governmental support, there remains a genuine belief that women’s roles in the surveying profession will continue to evolve, ultimately reflecting broader changes in societal attitudes towards gender equality and professional development.
