Abuja: Ms. Flora Anne, Founder of the Africa Women in Housing and Construction Conference (AWHC), has emphasized the need for intentional policies and stronger support to enable women to play a more influential role in the construction sector. Anne highlighted the importance of this initiative in her message on International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, noting its potential to shift women from the margins to the mainstream of Africa’s housing economy.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Anne pointed out that women are increasingly visible in professions within the built environment, such as architecture, engineering, and real estate. However, their representation in ownership, capital control, and leadership roles remains limited. She stressed the need for policies, financing mechanisms, and industry collaboration to empower women across the housing value chain, emphasizing the sector’s capacity to transform lives, create jobs, and build generational wealth.
Anne noted Africa’s rapid urbanization and growing demand for housing and infrastructure as opportunities for women to take on leadership, development, and investment roles in shaping future cities. She identified strategic priorities necessary for women’s advancement, including increased access to development finance, property ownership, leadership representation, technical skill development, mentorship, and industry networks.
Women-led businesses in housing and construction need better access to capital, mortgages, and investment partnerships to scale their impact, Anne stated. She also highlighted the importance of women transitioning to asset ownership and investment portfolio growth within the real estate sector.
Anne called for more women in executive leadership positions, board roles, and policy advisory positions within the housing and construction ecosystem. Encouraging women to enter technical construction fields would strengthen Africa’s workforce and enhance industry diversity. She emphasized the role of structured platforms in fostering mentorship and professional visibility for women’s growth in the sector.
The AWHC was established to connect, empower, and elevate women across Africa’s built environment industry. Anne announced the maiden edition of the conference and business expo scheduled for March 16 and 17 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. The event will gather women leaders, policymakers, developers, financiers, and industry stakeholders under the theme: ‘Work, Wealth and Worth – Redefining Work, Building Wealth, and Elevating Worth in Africa’s Built Environment.’ The conference aims to strengthen women’s participation in housing development, construction innovation, real estate investment, and infrastructure delivery across Africa.
Anne encouraged women across the continent to pursue leadership, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities within the built environment, asserting that these steps are vital for their empowerment and advancement in the sector.