Association tasks FG on involvement of women in surveying

Women in surveying, an offshoot of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS), have renewed calls to the Federal Government to help promote improved involvement of females in the surveying profession.

The association reckoned that more female surveyors are needed for national development.

This was the consensus of the 16th national conference of the association, themed “Choosing our future career: The need for surveying and Geoinformatics as a priority in developing countries.”

The event which was held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) had in attendance the President of the NIS, Surv Alabo Charles, who was represented by Surv David Oluwamotemi, National Coordinator of WIS, Surv Dr Gertrude Nnanjar Njar, Commissioner for Education in Ogun State, Prof Sidi Osho, and the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu who was represented by Mrs Yomi Sofowora, among others.

While making her presentation, the Guest Lecturer, Prof Oluwayemisi Obilade, a former Vice-Chancellor of the Tai Solarin University of Education, said the surveying profession is relevant in nation-building, hence the need to have more females in the male-dominated industry.

ALSO READ: Terminal benefit: Maritime workers issue 21-days ultimatum to shipping companies

She noted that it was necessary for the government to support even representation in the profession, adding that the perceived gender inequality in surveying does not bode well for it.

Obilade said: “All societal beliefs and norms that limit women’s participation in the surveying profession must be addressed. We must address these factors that limit the surveying profession to men alone. Women in surveying form the fulcrum of the profession, this is no disservice to the men.

“The government must encourage our females, especially those at the secondary school level to delve into the surveying profession. This should be done through strategic planning and concerted efforts of all.”

In her address, the National Coordinator of the association, Surv Njar urged members to encourage the younger ones, especially the girl-child to consciously look towards surveying and geoinformatics as a profession in order to full in the manpower deficiency in the industry.

She noted that the profession is gender-biased and would continue to accommodate and guarantee job opportunity for female entrants.

“No child, especially the girl child should run away from studying surveying and geoinformatics. The relevant subjects for admission are Mathematics, English Language and Physics and any other two subjects,” she said.