Gender Gap in the Construction Industry’s Consultancy: Is this a Threat to Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5?

Abstract

The target date for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5, one of the 2030 UN Agenda [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)], is fast approaching. Studies have shown that the construction industry has a role in achieving many SDGs, including Goal 5 in developing countries. However, studies regarding achieving Goal 5 (Gender Equality) in the industry regarding female consultancy participation are scarce and complexly interrelated because of societal problems and divergence. Thus, this study aims to investigate factors hindering gender equality in construction consultants’ career growth and suggest measures to encourage more female construction consultants through policy to achieve Goal 5 in Nigeria. The study adopted face-to-face data collection via a qualitative mechanism. This is an ongoing study. The first phase covered Lagos, Nigeria, and adopted a thematic approach to analyse the collected data. The perceived major encumbrances facing Nigerian construction consultants regarding gender equality are religious/cultural, family/marital, marginalised identities, microaggressions, absence of career advancement, absence of mentors/role models, consultancy fees discrimination (gender pay gap), bullying and discrimination, and lax equity and inclusion. Achieving Goal 5 will be a mirage if these issues are not addressed. Thus, the study recommended measures to motivate females to study construction-related programmes and employment opportunities, including consultancy services slots through policy mechanisms to achieve Goal 5. As part of the implications, the study identifies major hindrances facing female Nigerian construction consultants and proffers measures to improve gender equality to achieve Goal 5.

Keywords: Construction industry, Consultancy, Encumbrance, Gender gap, Nigeria, Sustainable development goal.

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005275