The 2025 edition of the BuildHer by Lafarge Female Tilers and Block-Laying Training Programme, a specialised empowerment initiative aimed at increasing female participation in the Nigerian construction industry, is a strong testament that with the right support, the 21st-century woman is ready to take on the world.
Launched in 2021 as part of Lafarge Africa’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts, the initiative began in Lagos and has grown significantly while maintaining its core objective of equipping women from underserved communities with technical, entrepreneurial, and financial skills. Each participant undergoes hands-on training in tiling and block laying using Lafarge Africa’s flagship products, Supafix and Supaset.
In addition, participants receive professional support, including automatic enrolment into the Block Makers and Tilers Association of Nigeria, providing access to a network that facilitates their entry into the workforce. Graduates are also awarded certificates and essential working tools, such as cutters and other equipment, to help kickstart their professional journey.
The success of the programme is evident in the 2025 edition, which recorded its highest participation yet, with 100 participants across three states: Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River. This expansion builds on the achievements of previous editions held in Lagos. A notable milestone is the strengthened collaboration with government institutions, including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), the Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs.
True to its name, BuildHer reflects Lafarge Africa’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality. Beyond developing a skilled female workforce for the construction sector, the initiative empowers women to discover their potential, achieve self-reliance, and attain economic independence while breaking gender stereotypes in vocational trades. According to Viola Graham-Douglas, Director of Communications, Public Affairs & Sustainable Development (CPASD), the programme aligns with the company’s sustainability goals and long-term vision of building a better future for generations.
At the event, participants were encouraged to strive for excellence by the Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships at Lafarge Africa Plc, Gabriel Pollyn, who commended their dedication and resilience. He stated, “At Lafarge Africa, we believe that empowering women is key to building stronger communities and a more inclusive future. Through this initiative, we are not just training women in technical skills; we are investing in their confidence, capability, and long-term growth.”
Beyond the training, the programme aims to inspire a ripple effect, where beneficiaries go on to influence and uplift others. It is expected that the skills acquired will empower participants to pursue sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial opportunities within the construction value chain.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu, noted that the initiative is already expanding economic opportunities for women and encouraging them to explore viable career paths within the construction sector. Similarly, Mrs. Feyisayo Alayande, Executive Secretary of LSETF, highlighted the programme as an opportunity for women in Lagos State to feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals. In Ogun State, the Director of Administration and Supply at the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kehinde Idowu, encouraged participants to remain resilient and leverage their newly acquired skills.
One of the trainers, Olabanjo Ganiu Babatunde, affirmed the long-term societal impact of the initiative, emphasizing that empowering women ultimately strengthens future generations. He urged participants to remain diligent and focused as they apply their skills.
Commendations also came from Hon. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, who noted that the initiative aligns with the state government’s social inclusion and gender equality agenda. He also appreciated the increase in participant numbers from previous editions and reaffirmed the state’s continued support.
Participants shared inspiring testimonials. Sandra Okolo from Lagos State described the programme as a dream come true, expressing her desire to build a career in the construction industry. Another participant, Ogedengbe Mary Damilola, who specialised in tiling, expressed her intention to establish herself as a professional tiler and mentor other women.
While the immediate outcomes of the programme are evident, its long-term social and economic impact remains even more significant. As highlighted by Viola Graham-Douglas, empowering these women extends beyond individual success to community transformation, reinforcing the message that no profession is beyond the reach of women who are determined and resilient.
