Investigating the mechanisms to close gender inequality in Nigeria’s construction consultancy participation to achieving sustainable development Goal 5
Vol 9, Issue 1, 2025
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
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Aboagye-Nimo, E., Wood, H., & Collison, J. (2019). Complexity of women’s modern-day challenges in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 26(11), 2550–2565. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-09-2018-0421
Adegbite, O. O., & Machethe, C. L. (2020). Bridging the financial inclusion gender gap in smallholder agriculture in Nigeria: An untapped potential for sustainable development. World Development, 127, 104755. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2019.104755
Adeosun, O. T., & Owolabi, K. E. (2021). Gender inequality: determinants and outcomes in Nigeria. Journal of Business and Socio-Economic Development, 1(2), 165–181. https://doi.org/10.1108/jbsed-01-2021-0007
Adeyemi, A. Y., Ojo, S. O., Aina, O. O., et al. (2006). Empirical evidence of women under‐representation in the construction industry in Nigeria. Women in Management Review, 21(7), 567–577. https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420610692516
Adogbo, K. J., Ibrahim, A. D., Ibrahim, Y. M. (2015). Development of a framework for attracting and retaining women in construction practice. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 20(1), 99-115.
Afolabi, A., Oyeyipo, O., Ojelabi, R., et al. (2019). Balancing the Female Identity in the Construction Industry. Journal of Construction in Developing Countries, 24(2), 83–104. https://doi.org/10.21315/jcdc2019.24.2.4
Agbasiere, J. T. (2015). Women in Igbo Life and Thought. Routledge.
Aigbavboa, C., Addo, L. Y., Ebekozien, A., et al. (2023). Developing a framework for effective institutional management of Ghana’s urban water supply. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 41(6), 290–302. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-05-2023-0058
Aigbavboa, C., Ebekozien, A., & Mkhize, N. (2023). A qualitative approach to investigate governance challenges facing South African airlines in the fourth industrial revolution technologies era. Social Responsibility Journal, 19(8), 1507–1520. https://doi.org/10.1108/srj-07-2022-0278
Amado, C. A. F., Santos, S. P., & São José, J. M. S. (2018). Measuring and decomposing the gender pay gap: A new frontier approach. European Journal of Operational Research, 271(1), 357–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejor.2018.05.023
Archibong, B. (2018). Historical origins of persistent inequality in Nigeria. Oxford Development Studies, 46(3), 325–347. https://doi.org/10.1080/13600818.2017.1416072
Atonko, B. (2015). Mercy Iortyer is first female surveyors president. Available online: https://dailytrust.com/mercy-iortyer-is-first-female-surveyors-president/ (accessed on 2 June 2023).
Azuakor, P. O. (2017). The women's place in family inheritance in Igboland. Nnadiebube Journal of Social Sciences, 1(2).
Banwell, H. (1964). The Placing and Management of Contracts for Building and Civil Engineering work: Report of the Committee of Sir Harold Banwell. HMSO, London.
Bolio, E., Martínez, M. M., Macías, G., et al. (2023). Women Matter, Spain: Women are still far from top corporate-leadership positions. Available online: https://www.borderless.net/news/diversityinclusion/women-matter-spain-women-are-still-far-from-top-corporate-leadership-positions/ (accessed on 2 June 2023).
Breuer, A., Janetschek, H., & Malerba, D. (2019). Translating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Interdependencies into Policy Advice. Sustainability, 11(7), 2092. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11072092
Burns, M. K. (2014). How to establish interrater reliability. Nursing, 44(10), 56–58. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000453705.41413.c6
Connell, A., Holder, A., & Kearney, H. (2020). Equal Measures 2030: a new approach for advocacy and influencing beyond Beijing +25. Gender & Development, 28(2), 405–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552074.2020.1750218
Construction 2025. (2013). Industrial Strategy: Government and Industry in Partnership. HM Government, London.
Creswell, W. J., Creswell, D. J. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches 5th ed. London, United Kingdom: Sage.
D2BD. (2020). Dare to Be different: our mission. Available online: https://www.daretobedifferent.org/ (accessed on 2 June 2023).
Ebekozien, A. (2020a). Corrupt acts in the Nigerian construction industry: is the ruling party fighting corruption? Journal of Contemporary African Studies, 38(3), 348–365. https://doi.org/10.1080/02589001.2020.1758304
Ebekozien, A. (2020b). A qualitative approach to investigate low-cost housing policy provision in Edo State, Nigeria. International Planning Studies, 26(2), 165–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/13563475.2020.1779671
Ebekozien, A., & Aigbavboa, C. (2021). COVID-19 recovery for the Nigerian construction sites: The role of the fourth industrial revolution technologies. Sustainable Cities and Society, 69, 102803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2021.102803
Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C. O., Thwala, W. D. D., et al. (2021b). An appraisal of generic skills for Nigerian built environment professionals in workplace: the unexplored approach. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 21(6), 1841–1856. https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-09-2021-0453
Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C., & Aigbedion, M. (2023). Construction industry post-COVID-19 recovery: Stakeholders perspective on achieving sustainable development goals. International Journal of Construction Management, 23(8), 1376–1386. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2021.1973184
Ebekozien, A., Aigbavboa, C., Nwaole, A. N. C., et al. (2021a). Quantity surveyor’s ethical responsiveness on construction projects: issues and solutions. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 41(5), 1049–1066. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijbpa-04-2021-0061
Eden, L., & Gupta, S. F. (2017). Culture and context matter: gender in international business and management. Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, 24(2), 194–210. https://doi.org/10.1108/ccsm-02-2017-0020
Eden, L., & Wagstaff, M. F. (2020). Evidence-based policymaking and the wicked problem of SDG 5 Gender Equality. Journal of International Business Policy, 4(1), 28–57. https://doi.org/10.1057/s42214-020-00054-w
Egan, J. (2002). Accelerating Change: A Report, Strategic Forum for Construction. Rethinking Construction, London.
English, J., & Hay, P. (2015). Black South African women in construction: cues for success. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 13(1), 144–164. https://doi.org/10.1108/jedt-06-2013-0043
Falk, A., & Hermle, J. (2018). Relationship of gender differences in preferences to economic development and gender equality. Science, 362(6412). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aas9899
Fatukasi, A. A., & Ayeomoni, O. I. (2015). Effect of Income Inequality on Health Indicators in Nigeria (1980-2014). International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences, 5(8). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v5-i8/1784
Faus, M., Alonso, F., Javadinejad, A., et al. (2022). Are social networks effective in promoting healthy behaviors? A systematic review of evaluations of public health campaigns broadcast on Twitter. Frontiers in Public Health, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1045645
Field, E., Krivkovich, A., Kugele, S., et al. (2023). Women in the Workplace 2024: The 10th-anniversary report. McKinsey & Company.
Fukuda-Parr, S. (2014). Global Goals as a Policy Tool: Intended and Unintended Consequences. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, 15(2–3), 118–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/19452829.2014.910180
Fukuda‐Parr, S., & McNeill, D. (2018). Knowledge and Politics in Setting and Measuring the SDGs: Introduction to Special Issue. Global Policy, 10(S1), 5–15. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-5899.12604
Gaweł, A., & Mroczek-Dąbrowska, K. (2021). Gender pay gap in explaining female entrepreneurship – industry perspective of selected European countries. International Journal of Manpower, 43(9), 42–59. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijm-12-2020-0554
Griffee, D. T. (2005). Research tips: interview data collection. Journal of Developmental Education, 28(3), 36-42.
Head, B. W. (2018). Forty years of wicked problems literature: forging closer links to policy studies. Policy and Society, 38(2), 180–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2018.1488797
Ibrahim, F. S. B., Ebekozien, A., Khan, P. A. M., et al. (2022). Appraising fourth industrial revolution technologies role in the construction sector: how prepared is the construction consultants? Facilities, 40(7/8), 515–532. https://doi.org/10.1108/f-09-2021-0086
Khan, N. A., Hui, Z., Khan, A. N., et al. (2022). Impact of women authentic leadership on their own mental wellbeing through ego depletion: moderating role of leader’s sense of belongingness. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(10), 4191–4214. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-02-2021-0143
Kleven, H., & Landais, C. (2017). Gender Inequality and Economic Development: Fertility, Education and Norms. Economica, 84(334), 180–209. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecca.12230
Krivkovich, A., Starikova, I., Robinson, K., et al. (2020). Women in the workplace 2022. McKinsey & Company.
McKinsey & Company. (2015). Diversity matters. Available online: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/why-diversity-matters (accessed on 4 November 2020).
McKinsey & Company. (2020). The future of work in Europe. Available online: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work/the-future-of-work-in-europe (accessed on 7 November 2020).
National Gender Policy. (2006). Available online: https://policytracker.ng/policy_document/national-gender-policy-2006/
(accessed on 7 November 2020).
Nature. (2020). Get the Sustainable Development Goals back on track. Nature, 577, 7–8. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-03907-4
NAWIC. (2020). Brentford: the national association of women in in construction. Available online: https://www.nawic.co.uk/ (accessed on 10 May 2020).
Norberg, C., & Johansson, M. (2020). “Women and ‘Ideal’ Women”: The Representation of Women in the Construction Industry. Gender Issues, 38(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-020-09257-0
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., et al. (2017). Thematic Analysis. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Omoruyi, O. (2015). Labor Market, Demographic Patterns and Income Inequality in Nigeria. Journal of Sociology and Social Anthropology, 6(3), 341–354. https://doi.org/10.1080/09766634.2015.11885674
Opoku, A., & Williams, N. (2018). Second-generation gender bias. International Journal of Ethics and Systems, 35(1), 2–23. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoes-05-2018-0079
Pamidimukkala, A., & Kermanshachi, S. (2022). Occupational Health and Safety Challenges in Construction Industry: A Gender-Based Analysis. Construction Research Congress 2022, 491–500. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483985.050
Para-Mallam, F. J. (2017). Gender Equality in Nigeria. Gender Equality in a Global Perspective, 23–53. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315639505-2
Ravazzini, L., & Chesters, J. (2018). Inequality and Wealth: Comparing the Gender Wealth Gap in Switzerland and Australia. Feminist Economics, 24(4), 83–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/13545701.2018.1458202
Remenyi, D., Williams, B., Money, A., et al. (1998). Doing Research in Business and Management: An Introduction to Process and Method. SAGE Publications Ltd.
Sarfo-Kantankah, K. S. (2021). The discursive construction of men and women in Ghanaian parliamentary discourse: A corpus-based study. Ampersand, 8, 100079. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2021.100079
Saunders, M., Thornhill, A., Lewis, P. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson Education, Harlow.
Sertyesilisik, B. (2022). Empowerment of Women and Increasing Women Employment in the Construction Industry to Support Environmental Sustainability and Sustainable Development. Emerald Publishing Limited.
Suresh, S., Renukappa, S., Stride, M., et al. (2023). Women in the UK construction industry: are we still clinging to the “old boys club”? Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(1), 214–236. https://doi.org/10.1108/ecam-07-2020-0537
Tunji-Olayeni, P. F., Kajimo-Shakantu, K., & Oni, A. (2021). Work-Life Experiences of Women in the Construction Industry: A Case of Women in Lagos Mainland, Nigeria. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 654(1), 012012. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/654/1/012012
UN Economic Commission for Europe. (2019). Towards a conceptual framework for measuring gender-in-trade in official statistics. In: Proceedings of the Conference of European Statisticians, Work Session on Gender Statistics; 8 April 2019.
UNCTAD. (2014). Investment by TNCs and gender: Preliminary assessment and way forward. Investment for Development Policy Research Series.
UNCTAD. (2016). Development and globalization: Facts and figures. Geneva: UNCTAD.
UNDP. (2013). Humanity Divided: Confronting Inequality in Developing Countries. Available online: https://www.refworld.org/docid/52fcc3fe4.html (accessed on 7 November 2020).
UNDP. (2015). Africa human development report 2016. Advancing Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Africa.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. (2017). Sustainable Development Goals. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, New York.
United Nations. (2015a). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In: Proceedings of the UN General Assembly, Seventieth Session. Agenda items 15 and 116; 25 September 2015.
United Nations. (2015b). The Millennium Development Goals Report 2015. New York: United Nations.
United Nations. (2019). Progress on the sustainable development goals: The gender snapshot 2019. New York: Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations.
Van Tulder, R. (2018). Business and the sustainable development goals: A framework for effective corporate involvement. Erasmus University Rotterdam.
WES. (2020). Stevenage: women's engineering society (WES). Available online: http://www.inwed.org.uk/about.html (accessed on 22 May 2023).
WISE Campaign. (2020). WISE Campaign. Available online: https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/about-us (accessed on 23 May 2023).
World Health Organisation. (2020). Gender and health. Available online: https://www.who.int/health-topics/gender (accessed on 22 May 2023).
Worsdale, R., & Wright, J. (2020). My objectivity is better than yours: contextualising debates about gender inequality. Synthese, 199(1–2), 1659–1683. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11229-020-02835-5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd11215
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Author(s)
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.