Issues and challenges of women in the building construction profession in Edo State, Nigeria

This study aimed to evaluate women's challenges in the building construction profession in Edo State. The study was based on primary data administered on 75 females (77.3% response rate) under training in related departments within higher institutions and those employed in the building industry within Edo State, Nigeria. Findings affirmed there were both low number of women under training and those participating in the construction industry (mean score = 4.27), with severity index (SI) of leading factors as 'masculine culture that persists in the construction industry' (0.84), 'difficulty of work-life balance' (0.81), 'lack of knowledge about career opportunities in construction' (0.76), and 'prevalent sexual harassment within the industry' (0.75). The study concluded that women are under-represented right from enrollment for training to participate in the building construction profession. It recommends restructuring of construction industry by improving building department higher institution female enrolement, extermination of masculine culture and gender-balance personnel reorientation on building professionals in both tertiary institutions and construction industry.