Female town planners urged to mentor, empower young professionals

Women in town planning have been urged to mentor and support the younger generation as part of efforts to foster professional growth and gender inclusivity in the field. This call was made at the 2025 International Women’s Day symposium organised by the FCT Chapter of the Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria (AWTPN) in […]

Women in town planning have been urged to mentor and support the younger generation as part of efforts to foster professional growth and gender inclusivity in the field.

This call was made at the 2025 International Women’s Day symposium organised by the FCT Chapter of the Association of Women Town Planners of Nigeria (AWTPN) in Abuja.

The event, themed “Accelerate Action,” highlighted the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and policy interventions in advancing gender equity within the profession.

In her welcome address, the Chairperson of AWTPN FCT Chapter, Jamila Shehu Bello, emphasised the role of female town planners in creating sustainable and inclusive communities.

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She urged members to support and guide younger professionals, ensuring that women continue to break barriers and shape the future of urban planning.

“As women in town planning, we play a critical role in creating sustainable, inclusive, and equitable spaces for all. Let us seize this moment to celebrate our achievements, amplify our voices, and reaffirm our commitment to building a better tomorrow,” she stated.

National President of AWTPN, Rekiyat Ahuozia Fache, and a patron of the association, Morenike Babalola, stressed that unity and collaboration among women in the profession would help drive gender inclusivity and professional excellence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, guest speaker and fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Patrick Nyiam, underscored the importance of equity over mere equality, noting that gender inclusion requires deliberate policy actions and institutional support.

The symposium also called for increased representation of women in leadership roles, access to training and resources, and the creation of a supportive professional environment.

Participants emphasised that mentorship and advocacy remain crucial to ensuring that young female professionals thrive in the field of town planning.