The newly elected Chairperson of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Yemisi Alaka, has laid out an ambitious five-point agenda to advance the interests of women in the field of urban planning. In a powerful statement, Alaka emphasized her commitment to promoting professional growth and fostering an inclusive environment that would allow female town planners to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
Alaka, who took office with a clear vision for the future of the association, promised to focus on initiatives that would propel members towards excellence while ensuring gender-sensitive approaches to urban development. In her address, she made it clear that her leadership would be centered around five key pillars that reflect her goals for empowering women in the profession.
One of the central tenets of Alaka’s agenda is to promote professional development and capacity building for the members of the association. She stated that her administration would focus on enhancing the skills and knowledge of female town planners, ensuring they remain competitive and capable in the evolving field of urban development.
“I will tirelessly work towards professional growth for all our members, ensuring they are equipped with the latest tools, knowledge, and skills to excel in town planning,” Alaka declared.
The push for capacity-building initiatives includes mentorship programs, workshops, and conferences that would empower women in the field, enabling them to take on more leadership roles and make greater contributions to the country’s urban planning landscape.
In line with her focus on advocacy, Alaka emphasized her commitment to advocating for policies that actively support women’s participation in the urban planning sector. According to her, it is not just about increasing the number of women in the field but also ensuring that women’s voices are heard at all decision-making levels.
“I will advocate for policies and programs that encourage more women to take part in town planning processes, both in the public and private sectors,” she added.
Alaka aims to foster gender equality within the profession, ensuring that women are not only included but are given opportunities for advancement and leadership positions in urban planning projects.
As part of her comprehensive agenda, Alaka plans to build partnerships and collaborations with government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. The goal is to create an ecosystem where women town planners have access to resources, networking opportunities, and platforms for collaboration that can help advance the objectives of the association.
“My administration will focus on creating strategic alliances that will support our mission and bring more recognition to the association,” Alaka affirmed.
These partnerships will also pave the way for collaborative research projects, joint initiatives, and the development of policies that advance sustainable urban development while ensuring that women’s perspectives are incorporated.
In her bid to strengthen the association’s internal governance, Alaka vowed to prioritize transparency and accountability within the organization. She assured members that under her leadership, the association’s activities would be conducted with the utmost integrity, ensuring that resources are used effectively for the benefit of all members.
“I will ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance in all our undertakings,” Alaka stated, underlining the importance of strong leadership in running an effective association.
Finally, Alaka set inclusivity and professionalism as the cornerstones of her leadership approach. She stressed the importance of creating an environment where all women, regardless of their background or experience, feel welcomed and empowered to contribute to the profession.
“I will make sure that our association is inclusive, where every member feels valued and respected, and professionalism remains our watchword,” she said.
Alaka’s approach is aimed at not just empowering women but also creating a stronger, more cohesive association that contributes meaningfully to the future of urban planning in Nigeria.
The investiture ceremony, which saw Alaka officially assume her position as chairperson, was a well-attended event, with key figures from academia and urban planning in attendance. Professor Yusuf Olabisi, a distinguished academic from Lagos State University, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the theme: ‘Women Town Planners: Building Inclusive and Resilient Communities – A Gender-Sensitive Approach to Urban Development.’
The event provided a platform for thought leaders to discuss how gender-sensitive urban planning can create more inclusive, sustainable communities that cater to the diverse needs of all citizens.
Alaka’s five-point agenda is a bold vision for the future of the Association of Women Town Planners in Nigeria. With a focus on professional development, advocacy, collaboration, good governance, and inclusivity, she is positioning the association to play a critical role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s urban development landscape. As she called on members to join her in this journey, Alaka’s leadership promises to not only empower women in the profession but also foster a more resilient and inclusive urban planning system for Nigeria.