{"id":4070,"date":"2025-04-15T13:19:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-15T10:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/Blog\/?p=4070"},"modified":"2025-04-15T13:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T10:23:03","slug":"the-first-ever-women-in-construction-by-iuea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/the-first-ever-women-in-construction-by-iuea\/","title":{"rendered":"The 1st Ever Women in Construction Symposium Gets Empowered By IUEA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/a> (UNABSEC) in partnership with the Pan-African Chamber of Commerce<\/a> (South Africa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held under the theme \u201cLevelling the Ground to Upscale Effective Participation of Women in Construction and Infrastructure Development<\/strong>,\u201d the symposium laid the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and gender-equitable construction industry across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative for Uganda, Ms. Vwede-Obahor tours IUEA\u2019s innovative architectural displays\u2014led by the brilliant minds behind them<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why This Symposium Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As Africa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yet, despite women making up 51% of Uganda\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The WICS 2025 expert panel engages in a powerful dialogue\u2014redefining the future of Africa\u2019s construction industry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Key Outcomes of the Women in Construction Symposium<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symposium achieved several milestones that will shape the future of the industry:<\/p>\n\n\n\n