Lafarge Africa Empowers 40 Female Tilers in Push for Gender Diversity in Construction

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leader in sustainable building solutions, celebrated the graduation of 40 women from its Female Tilers and Block Making Training Programme at a ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Lagos.

This achievement underscores Lafarge Africa’s dedication to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria’s construction industry, drawing together government officials and industry leaders to mark the occasion.

The Female Tilers and Block Making Training Programme is a key component of Lafarge Africa’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, designed to equip women from underserved communities with practical skills for the construction industry.

During the four-week programme, participants received hands-on training in tiling and block making using Lafarge Africa’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset. The programme aims to dismantle gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Lafarge Africa’s CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, commended the graduates for their dedication, noting, “This graduation is not merely an end; it represents a gateway to a world of opportunities.”

He highlighted the transformative power of the programme in fostering gender inclusivity within the construction industry and praised the trainers for their essential role in shaping the graduates’ skills. Alade-Akinyemi encouraged the graduates to inspire others as they apply their new expertise.

Director of Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainable Development at Lafarge Africa, Viola Graham-Douglas, reinforced the impact of the programme on community growth, stating, “By equipping these women with valuable skills, we are contributing to the development of not only their careers but also their communities.”

She called the graduates pioneers who would motivate others to enter the field.

The graduation was attended by government officials and industry leaders who praised Lafarge Africa’s commitment to gender diversity and economic growth in Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs Feyishayo Alayande, lauded Lafarge for its efforts to foster workforce inclusion, while Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, pledged continued support for initiatives empowering young women in construction.

On his part, the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic Education, Mr Jamiu Alli Balogun, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs Oreoluwa Awokoya, also highlighted the significance of skill development for economic empowerment and sustainable growth.

Personal stories from graduates like Mrs. Ahmed Rafat Ayodeji and Favour Dickson underscored the programme’s life-changing impact, as they expressed newfound confidence and knowledge for pursuing careers in construction.

Graduates were enrolled in the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, connecting them to a professional network, and received certificates and essential tools to launch their careers, with some gaining immediate job placements.

Lafarge Africa’s training programme reflects a continued commitment to breaking gender barriers and enhancing workforce diversity in Nigeria’s construction industry.