In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Housing TV Africa (Channel 149 on StarTimes) owners of the Housing Development Programme on AIT and Africa International Housing Show, has hosted an insightful and impactful virtual event themed “Accelerate Action.”
This event brought together an outstanding panel of top female leaders in housing, finance, and construction, highlighting their achievements while addressing the challenges women face in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Anchored by Housing TV Africa’s Managing Director, Flora Anne, the discussion served as a rallying call for gender inclusivity, leadership advancement, and economic empowerment within the built environment.
The event featured thought-provoking contributions from some of the most influential women in the sector with each of the distinguished speakers sharing their experiences, perspectives, and strategies for overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers, and fostering a more equitable and inclusive industry.
Delivering powerful insights, Dr. Chii Akporji, Chairperson of Shelter Afrique Development Bank emphasized the economic benefits of gender parity, stating that increasing women’s access to property and financial resources enhances productivity, improves development outcomes, and reduces poverty. She highlighted a staggering statistic that women own less than 20% of the world’s land and called for urgent reforms in inheritance laws and land administration across Africa to secure women’s financial independence and access to credit.
Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) called on women to actively shape the future of urban planning and housing policy, stating that architecture and urban planning have long been male-led, but that narrative is changing. She encouraged young women in architecture and design to embrace creativity, resilience, and leadership as they advance in their careers.
For Uzo Oshogwe, Managing Director and CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, the biggest limitation women face is not societal barriers but their own mindset. She stated that she does not see glass ceilings because she chooses not to and emphasized that women must be bold, confident, and ready to seize opportunities when they arise. She called for organizations to adopt intentional leadership development strategies that position women for top executive roles.
Ify Umunnakwe-Okeke, Founder and Executive Chairperson of Lexon Capital focused on women’s financial empowerment, highlighting the need for more than just access to capital. She explained that women entrepreneurs need training, mentorship, and the right networks to scale their businesses successfully.
According to her, access to finance is only the first step, but negotiation skills, investment knowledge, and strategic partnerships matter just as much. She encouraged women in real estate, construction, and development to actively engage in high-level financial discussions and learn the art of deal-making.
Olajumoke Akinwunmi, Co-founder and CEO of Alitheia Capital issued a challenge to women seeking leadership roles in real estate and finance, stating that leadership is never given but taken through action. She emphasized that if women wait for an invitation to the table, they will remain on the sidelines and encouraged strong networking platforms and mentorship programs to groom the next generation of female leaders.
As the President of Female Lawyers in Real Estate Practice, Peace Anomneze emphasized the critical role of legal knowledge in securing women’s rights in real estate. She urged women entrepreneurs, developers, and professionals to be well-versed in legal frameworks to protect their interests and expand their influence in the industry.
On her part, Mercy Iyortyer, Deputy President of the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN) and former President of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors celebrated the growing representation of women in the built environment, noting that quantity surveying and construction are no longer male-dominated professions and that women have risen to leadership roles, making significant contributions to the sector.
She stressed the importance of mentorship and role models in encouraging young women to pursue careers in architecture, real estate development, and urban planning.
Closing the session, Flora Anne reinforced the event’s core message that action is the next step. She emphasized that discussions like these must translate into real change and that every policy, investment, and opportunity created for women in housing, finance, and construction brings society closer to a more equitable world.
The 2025 International Women’s Day event, powered by Housing TV Africa, left attendees inspired, empowered, and ready to drive change in their respective fields.
The organizers seized the moment to urge all women in the sector both home and abroad to join the 19th Africa International Housing Show from July 27th to August 1st, 2025 at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton, Abuja for the most attended global event on housing and construction to engage with leading stakeholders and investors to drive change.
As the industry moves forward, one thing remains clear: women are not just participating; they are leading, innovating, and transforming the landscape of housing, finance, and construction across Africa.
