Investigation of Gender Equity Challenges in the Nigerian Quantity Surveying Profession

Gender equity in the built environment professions remains a global challenge, and the Nigerian quantity surveying profession is no exception, with women significantly underrepresented particularly in leadership and senior technical roles. This study investigates the nature, extent, and structural drivers of gender inequity in the Nigerian quantity surveying profession, focusing on practitioners in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Enugu. A mixed-method design was employed, combining a national survey of 195 practitioners with 25 in-depth interviews of senior female and male practitioners. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression and descriptive statistics, while interview data were subjected to thematic analysis. Findings reveal that women constitute approximately 18% of registered quantity surveyors in Nigeria, with representation falling to below 8% at directorial level. Gender pay gaps of approximately 22% are documented even after controlling for experience and firm size. Structural barriers including masculine work culture on construction sites, limited flexible working arrangements, inadequate mentoring, and client preference biases are identified as the primary equity obstacles. The study establishes a significant positive relationship between gender-diverse firm leadership and financial performance, challenging the business case resistance to diversity investment. This study makes an original empirical contribution to gender equality research in African built environment professions. Recommendations address regulatory reform, professional association leadership, and individual firm workplace policy. Keywords: gender equity, quantity surveying profession, Nigeria, diversity, workplace barriers