PARTICIPATION OF FEMALE QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

The representation of women in traditionally male dominated jobs in developed countries has greatly increased due to changes in economies and worksite settings. However, women are still a minority group in the Nigerian Construction Industry (NCI), with a participation level of about 0.2% compared to 3.2% for men. Studies on women quantity surveyors’ (WQS) participation in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) in Abuja-FCT area are scarce. This study's aim is to investigate the participation of female quantity surveyors with a view to encourage more women involvement on construction activities. Specifically, it assessed the participation of WQS in key quantity surveying tasks and examined the motivational factors that influence WQS participation in the construction industry. The study employed mixed methods comprising of both questionnaire and interview to reach a total sample size of 188 respondents (78 males and 110 females); 137 questionnaires were retrieved, giving a response rate of 73%. Analysis of the data in relation to the study’s objectives was carried out using descriptive analysis. Findings from the analysis of data revealed that the level of participation of WQS in the NCI is within 60-80%; both female and male respondents held similar views regarding the level of women participation. The study also identified the top motivational factors influencing WQS participation which included having a formal education in construction related course such as quantity surveying. Furthermore, WQS were discovered to be most competent in areas such as preparing valuation and quantification of construction works. WQS face a lot of challenges in their work, which include unsociable work hours and access restriction to some locations due to religio-cultural beliefs. It was recommended that: The Nigerian construction industry to include gender-inclusive policies and initiatives which will be instrumental in helping women overcome gender-based stereotypes and barriers, women association of quantity surveyors (WAQSN) should provide training and support to women who want to return to the workforce after a long break. Further research should be appraisal of the impact of unfavourable work hours on WQS participation in the NCI and assessing WQS participation in the construction sectors of different selected States in Nigeria. .