Julius Berger reiterates commitment to gender equality, workplace inclusion

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has reiterated its commitment to gender equality and workplace inclusion.

Julius Berger made this known during an event to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) in Abuja, Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, and Uyo.

The Director General of the NIQS Foundation, Dr Celestina Eke, while speaking at the Abuja event, called for a shift beyond affirmative action to transformative change.

Eke said: “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.”

She commended Julius Berger for excelling not only in infrastructure and engineering but in fostering diversity and empowerment.

She described the IWD movement as a call to rethink, reimagine, and reconstruct the foundations of industry, institutions, and society.

Also speaking, Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Dr Abdulaziz Kaita, underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and progress.

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Highlighting the importance of International Women’s Day and the role of women in every society, Kaita said: “We celebrate the countless contributions of women in every sphere of life – politics, science, business, arts, sports, education, and within our own families.

“We honour the trailblazers who have shattered ceilings and defied expectations, as well as the everyday heroes – mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends – who uplift and inspire us daily.”

While acknowledging the progress made, Kaita called for continued reflection and action.

“Women still face barriers to leadership, unequal pay, and gender-based violence. In some parts of the world, access to education and healthcare remains a distant dream for many girls,” he added.

In Lagos, a panel of female leaders within Julius Berger explored how women can balance professional growth with family responsibilities while embracing leadership opportunities.

The discussion, featuring senior figures from commercial, legal, and engineering functions, emphasized the strengths women bring to the workplace, particularly in multitasking and strategic decision-making.

Senior Executive Manager Ndifreke Nkocho urged women to speak up, seek mentorship, and create support networks, proposing regular forums for women to discuss career challenges and development opportunities.

The Star