AN APPRAISAL OF THE CAREER EXPERIENCES OF PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT

The construction industry by its nature is male dominated and the low level of participation

of women within it has attracted a lot of attention globally. In recent years, the industry

recorded a slight increase in women participation but this is still insufficient to meet the

challenges faced by the Industry on a daily basis. This research therefore investigates the

positive career aspect of the few professional women who have made it to the top of their

careers within the Nigerian construction industry by exploring their career experiences and

expectations, examining the challenges to their participation and their notable and career

satisfying moments along their career path. A biographical interview was conducted with

forty-five (45) female professionals whose work cuts across all the sectors of the industry.

The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis method by grouping the results and

organising them according to their opinions on issues discussed. The findings show that their

experiences are not peculiar to them because they are women, but generic to both sexes

which demystifies the male only image of the industry. It exposed the rare moments, job

satisfaction, and excellent achievements which overshadows the challenges faced by the

women. The women interviewed were found to have dealt with the challenges in a way that

allowed them to balance both work and family commitments, and to them success is not only

measured by work achievements alone, but also by achieving success at the family end. The

study also found that lack of money stands as a major barrier alongside other challenges

which are geographically based and are surmountable. The research recommends that the

dissemination of information geared towards the enhancement of the image of the industry as

it relates to women is necessary especially one based specifically on the opportunities

available and the successes attainable within. It also developed guidelines for enhancing

women’s career within the Nigerian construction industry.