Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, a leading engineering and construction company, joined the global celebration of International Women’s Day 2026 with a series of impactful outreaches and internal activities across its operational regions, focusing on youth empowerment, gender inclusion, and the advancement of women in professional fields.
The company’s initiatives reached schools in Abuja and Lagos, while female staff across project sites—including Uyo, Oloibiri, and Bodo-Bonny—participated in reflective in-house sessions that highlighted the significance of the day in local and professional contexts.
Abuja Outreach: Inspiring the Next Generation
In Abuja, Julius Berger extended support to two public secondary schools: Government Secondary School, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, and Government Secondary School, Garki. Students received educational kits, bags, and other learning materials as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to educational development and gender equity.
The visits featured interactive motivational sessions where female representatives from the company shared personal career journeys and practical advice. At Gwarinpa, Anastasia Okonkwo, Head of Quality Control and Quality Assurance, encouraged the girls to embrace ambitious dreams—even those that initially feel intimidating.
Students of Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja displaying their CSR packages from Julius Berger Nigeria PLC at the 2026 IWD, weekend
“Truly meaningful dreams often appear intimidating at first,” she said. “When a goal seems big enough to cause a little fear, it is often an indication that it has the potential to inspire remarkable achievement.” She urged the students to move beyond their immediate circumstances, commit to discipline, and pursue excellence in academics and personal development.
At Government Secondary School, Garki, Contract Manager Omonigho Brown delivered a talk titled “Your Voice, Your Relevance, and Your Future.” Drawing from her experience as a legal professional, she emphasized that leadership begins early—through small responsibilities such as class prefect duties, head girl roles, or family caregiving—and encouraged the girls to speak up confidently.
“Many women throughout history had to challenge social barriers and prejudices to create opportunities for future generations of girls,” Brown noted. “Because of these efforts, young women today are able to aspire confidently to positions of influence and leadership across different professions.”
Lagos Outreach: Breaking Barriers in Engineering and Beyond
In Lagos, Civil Engineer and Technical Officer Rasheedat Anifowoshe addressed students on the importance of focus, confidence, and time management—especially in fields traditionally viewed as male-dominated.
“Young girls should never limit themselves when choosing a career path,” Anifowoshe stated. She highlighted the growing presence of women in engineering and assured the students that Julius Berger Nigeria PLC remains open to supporting female students during their Industrial Training (IT/SIWES) placements.
The interactive sessions allowed students to reflect on the discussions, with many expressing newfound motivation to trust their abilities, build self-confidence, and pursue their aspirations with determination.
At each school, the visiting teams presented educational materials and sundry support items as a gesture of encouragement, reinforcing the company’s belief in investing in the education and empowerment of young people in its host communities.
Site-Level Celebrations: Empowering Female Staff
At various Julius Berger project sites—including Uyo, Oloibiri, and Bodo-Bonny—the celebration took an internal focus. Female staff gathered for reflective sessions where they discussed the global and local significance of International Women’s Day, sharing experiences, challenges, and successes within the workplace and broader society.
These in-house events fostered camaraderie and reinforced the value of mutual support among women in the engineering and construction sector.
A Commitment to Gender Inclusion and Community Impact
The 2026 International Women’s Day activities underscore Julius Berger Nigeria PLC’s longstanding dedication to gender equity, youth empowerment, and community development. By engaging directly with schoolgirls, providing mentorship from accomplished female professionals, and celebrating its own female workforce, the company continues to promote an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Through these initiatives, Julius Berger reaffirms its role not only as a major contributor to Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape but also as a partner in building a more equitable and empowered society for future generations.
