By Chuks Nzeh
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and workplace inclusion as it marked International Women’s Day, IWD, with a series of events across Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo.
Employees and industry leaders gathered for keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions under the global theme ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” with a particular focus on allyship and leadership.
The event attracted prominent figures from the financial sector, the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, and senior executives from Julius Berger, all reinforcing the collective responsibility of advancing gender equity.
Speaking in Abuja, the Director General of the NIQS Foundation, Dr. Celestina Eke, emphasized the role of men as allies in driving gender equality beyond affirmative action to transformative change.
“Gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a strategic imperative for economic growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.
“For real progress, we must move from support to action. Allyship is not about stepping aside; it is about stepping up. It requires men to use their influence, privilege, and leadership to challenge biases, break barriers, and drive systemic change,” Eke stated.
She commended Julius Berger for not only excelling in engineering and infrastructure but also for fostering diversity and empowerment within the organization.
Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Alhaji Abdulaziz Kaita, underscored the company’s dedication to inclusion, recognizing the vital role of women in every sector of society.
“Today, we celebrate the countless contributions of women in politics, science, business, arts, sports, education, and within our families. We honor both the trailblazers who have shattered ceilings and the everyday heroes—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who uplift and inspire us daily,” Kaita said.
While acknowledging progress, he called for continued action against gender-based barriers such as unequal pay, limited leadership opportunities, and restricted access to education and healthcare in certain parts of the world.
On its part, a panel discussion in Lagos, featuring female leaders from Julius Berger explored ways women can balance professional growth with family responsibilities while embracing leadership roles. Senior figures from commercial, legal, and engineering functions highlighted the unique strengths women bring to the workplace, particularly in multitasking and strategic decision-making.
Senior Executive Manager, Ndifreke Nkocho, encouraged women to speak up, seek mentorship, and build support networks. She also proposed establishing regular forums to discuss career development and workplace challenges.
In Warri, employees participated in a keynote session, team-building activities, and a sip-and-paint session, reinforcing the themes of empowerment and unity.
Branch Manager of UBA Warri-Sapele Road, Mrs. Abimbola Erivona, shared insights from her corporate leadership journey, highlighting both challenges and triumphs.
She urged attendees to strive for excellence and seize career growth opportunities.
Julius Berger’s celebration of International Women’s Day across multiple locations not only highlighted its commitment to gender equality but also served as a platform for meaningful conversations on fostering inclusion and leadership in the workplace.
