Lafarge Africa Plc has expanded its push for gender inclusion in construction by training 100 women in technical building skills under its “BuildHer by Lafarge” initiative. The programme targets women from low-income communities, equipping them with practical and business knowledge to secure sustainable livelihoods in a field long dominated by men.
The initiative, launched as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts, focuses on tiling and block-laying. It is being implemented across Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River states in collaboration with relevant government agencies.
According to the company, the programme is designed to go beyond technical instruction by combining hands-on training with entrepreneurship, mentoring, and financial literacy. Participants undergo an intensive eight-week course where they gain real experience using construction materials such as Supafix and SupaSet.
Speaking on the initiative, the Group Managing Director of Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, said, “With our female tilers and block-laying training programme, we are opening doors for women to participate meaningfully in the construction industry while improving their economic independence.”
The programme also addresses structural barriers that often limit women’s participation in technical trades. To ensure inclusiveness, participants are provided with transportation, meals, and childcare support for nursing mothers. This allows them to fully engage in the training without compromising family responsibilities.
Lafarge Africa noted that the initiative reflects its broader commitment to reducing poverty and promoting economic empowerment. By equipping women with practical, in-demand skills, the company aims to help beneficiaries build careers or start small businesses within the construction value chain.
The Director of Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Viola Graham-Douglas, highlighted the programme’s long-term vision. “We are raising the next generation of women in construction through this training programme,” she said.
She added that since the programme’s inception in 2022, more than 60 women have already been trained, with the current edition scaled up to accommodate 100 participants.
At the end of the training, participants will receive certificates endorsed by Lafarge Africa and partner institutions. They will also be integrated into the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, giving them formal recognition and access to job opportunities.
To support post-training success, graduates will be provided with starter packs, while top performers will receive special recognition. The company also plans to establish a BuildHer Alumni Network to sustain mentorship and collaboration among participants.
Overall, the initiative underscores Lafarge Africa’s strategy of combining skills development with social impact, while promoting female participation in technical industries traditionally dominated by men.
