On April 11th, 2025, the International University of East Africa (IUEA) was honoured to be a key participant in the inaugural Women in Construction Symposium (WICS), a landmark event hosted by the Uganda National Association Of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) in partnership with the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce (South Africa).
Held under the theme “Levelling the Ground to Upscale Effective Participation of Women in Construction and Infrastructure Development,” the symposium laid the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and gender-equitable construction industry across Africa.
Why This Symposium Matters
As Africa’s cities expand rapidly, the demand for infrastructure, affordable housing, and public utilities is intensifying. Uganda alone produces less than half the number of housing units it needs annually. Engineers are at the heart of solving this crisis, not just by designing buildings but by creating infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and economic development.
Yet, despite women making up 51% of Uganda’s population, they account for just 10% of the construction industry. This signals a missed opportunity; Africa has been operating with a self-imposed limitation. The way forward is clear: foster equitable work environments, open up mentorship opportunities, and include more women in shaping the built environment.
Key Outcomes of the Women in Construction Symposium
The symposium achieved several milestones that will shape the future of the industry:
- Launched the Women in Construction (Uganda Chapter): A new platform for continuous support, advocacy, and mentorship for women in the sector.
- Amplified Women’s Achievements: Celebrated women’s contributions to construction, shifting perceptions and inspiring future professionals.
- Addressed Systemic Barriers: Identified challenges and developed long-term strategies for gender equity and career advancement.
- Pushed for Policy Reform: Advocated for inclusive policies and institutional frameworks that elevate women into leadership and decision-making roles.
- Built Strategic Networks: Facilitated mentorship programmes and capacity-building initiatives to empower women with professional and entrepreneurial opportunities.
IUEA As a Voice for Inclusive Education
IUEA’s strong commitment to inclusive education was evident through its high-level delegation, including:
- Prof. Lakshmi Bhabuu, Deputy Vice Chancellor
- Madam Noamy Kemboi, Head of Marketing
- Madam Wissal, Quality Assurance Officer
Also present were standout female students whose work left a lasting impression:
- Ahabwe Precious Arinda
- Ninsiima Mackline
- Tedmas SY Dahn
- Grace Mawan
What Did IUEA Bring to the Event?
IUEA’s students presented impactful architectural solutions, particularly in the health and community development sectors:
- Salutogenic Mental Health Hospital Design: Focusing on psychological healing by fostering environments that promote a positive outlook on life.
- Biophilic Cancer Hospital for Children: Connecting patients with nature to support mental well-being during extended hospital stays.
- Community-Centric Flood-Resilient Bridge Design: Inspired by flooding challenges in the nearby Kiwempe area, student Tedmas SY Dahn created a detailed schematic to improve access and safety.
These presentations reflect the strength of IUEA’s architecture and engineering programmes, which emphasise real-world impact, innovative thinking, and industry relevance. The excellence on display intrigued numerous dignitaries, including representatives from the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Why IUEA’s Involvement Was Crucial
The symposium spotlighted the vital role of academic institutions in increasing the number of women in STEM, a message powerfully echoed in the keynote address delivered by the First Lady of the Republic of Uganda and Minister of Education and Sports, H.E. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Commending UNABSEC’s efforts throughout the event, she emphasized the transformative potential of STEM education and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting young women in STEM. Her remarks underscored Uganda’s broader commitment to education, empowerment, and inclusive growth within the construction industry.
For initiatives like WICS to succeed, academic institutions must lead the charge. IUEA’s participation:
- Showcased Female Talent: By offering students a platform to demonstrate their work, IUEA helps challenge stereotypes and open up real career opportunities.
- Advanced Industry Collaboration: By linking students with ministries and professionals, such as those from the Ministry of Works and Transport, IUEA creates internship pipelines and mentorship opportunities.
- Supported Curriculum Relevance: Engagements like this inform curriculum development, ensuring students are trained for the realities of today’s construction industry.
As highlighted in our Women in Tech blog, female participation in STEM fields remains limited due to cultural, structural, and educational barriers. IUEA continues to tackle these barriers head-on.
How IUEA Empowers Women in Engineering and Construction
- Mentorship: We connect students with experienced professionals to inspire and guide them.
- Representation: Female leaders like Madam Lorna, Head of Civil Engineering, inspire students by exemplifying what’s possible.
- Practicing Equality: Our culture affirms that gender does not determine capability.
- Visibility and Platforms: From symposiums to innovation showcases, we spotlight the achievements of our students.
Despite having made impactful strides, much work remains. The Women in Construction Symposium marks a critical step forward that IUEA is proud to champion.
Looking Ahead to an Inclusive Future
This symposium was more than an event, it was a movement. One that opens doors, unlocks potential, and redefines what the future of construction in Africa looks like. For women aspiring to join fields like civil engineering, architecture, electrical engineering, or petroleum engineering, there’s no better time than now and no better place than IUEA.
