Chalya Gofwen
Demographic Data:
Age; 39
Highest Qualification; MSc
Occupation; Architect/Lecturer
Religion; Christian
Years of experience working in the built environment field within higher education: 10 years
• Can you tell me about your experience working in higher education within the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: There’s little or no competition in comparison to the south, fewer women. It has been a smooth experience with colleagues and students. My approach to work is appreciated and respected too.
• What motivated you to pursue a career in higher education in the built environment field? (prompt: Passion for creating inclusive and equitable spaces for learning, a desire to challenge traditional gender roles in the field, and a commitment to empowering future generations through education).
Answer: A desire to share knowledge. Also due to my interest in research and acquiring knowledge.
• What is your race/ethnic group? How do you think intersectionality, including factors such as race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, plays a role in gender diversity within the built environment field in higher education?
Answer: As an African, there is the tendency to view other races as having superior knowledge but in reality, this isn’t always the case.
• In your opinion, what are some of the main challenges faced by female academics in higher education within the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo? (prompt: Have you personally encountered any gender-based obstacles in your academic career? If so, could you share some examples)
Answer: I haven’t encountered any gender-based segregation so far.
• How do you perceive the current opportunities for female academics in the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: Where I work, females make one third of the staff. This affects female representation especially administratively.
• Are there any specific initiatives or programs in place to address gender-based inequities and promote greater diversity and inclusion in higher education within the built environment field in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: Yes there are.
• How do you approach challenges and obstacles in your work? What strategies have you used to overcome any challenges related to gender in your career? (prompt: Seeking out mentorship from successful women in the field, advocating for equal opportunities and representation, and standing up against gender bias or discrimination when encountered).
Answer: By confronting the situation whenever it arises. I also ensure that I’m on top of my game.
• Have you received any formal training or education related to your current position? Have you completed any relevant certifications or degrees? Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional journey? (senior colleagues or industry experts)
Answer: There are no certifications in recent times. I’ve received mentorship from both male and female senior colleagues.
• How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and self-care practices?
Answer: By scheduling activities around my personal and official duties weekly. I have also employed help with personal activities.
• What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the built environment of higher education? (prompt: Do you aspire to become a leader in your field or contribute to innovative projects within the industry?)
Answer: To lead and be a renowned expert in my field.
• What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the built environment of higher education? (prompt: Networking with professionals in the field, staying updated on industry trends, being open to continuous learning and growth, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities can provide valuable insights and help build a strong foundation for a successful career in the built environment of higher education).
Answer: Be open to growth, seek opportunities and take advantage of them. Also to establish good relationships with fellow professionals.
• In what ways do you think the broader societal and cultural norms context in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo influences gender disparities within the built environment field, and how can these be addressed effectively?
Answers: Culturally and religion. People should be enlightened on the roles of all genders in development of a society.
• In your opinion, what role can institutions and stakeholders play in promoting gender equity and creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for female academics in the built environment field?
Answer: Creating a levelled playing ground. Females should be encouraged to be involved in decision making and career progression.
• Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Answer: No
Chalya Gofwen
Demographic Data:
Age; 39
Highest Qualification; MSc
Occupation; Architect/Lecturer
Religion; Christian
Years of experience working in the built environment field within higher education: 10 years
• Can you tell me about your experience working in higher education within the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: There’s little or no competition in comparison to the south, fewer women. It has been a smooth experience with colleagues and students. My approach to work is appreciated and respected too.
• What motivated you to pursue a career in higher education in the built environment field? (prompt: Passion for creating inclusive and equitable spaces for learning, a desire to challenge traditional gender roles in the field, and a commitment to empowering future generations through education).
Answer: A desire to share knowledge. Also due to my interest in research and acquiring knowledge.
• What is your race/ethnic group? How do you think intersectionality, including factors such as race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, plays a role in gender diversity within the built environment field in higher education?
Answer: As an African, there is the tendency to view other races as having superior knowledge but in reality, this isn’t always the case.
• In your opinion, what are some of the main challenges faced by female academics in higher education within the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo? (prompt: Have you personally encountered any gender-based obstacles in your academic career? If so, could you share some examples)
Answer: I haven’t encountered any gender-based segregation so far.
• How do you perceive the current opportunities for female academics in the built environment sector in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: Where I work, females make one third of the staff. This affects female representation especially administratively.
• Are there any specific initiatives or programs in place to address gender-based inequities and promote greater diversity and inclusion in higher education within the built environment field in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo?
Answer: Yes there are.
• How do you approach challenges and obstacles in your work? What strategies have you used to overcome any challenges related to gender in your career? (prompt: Seeking out mentorship from successful women in the field, advocating for equal opportunities and representation, and standing up against gender bias or discrimination when encountered).
Answer: By confronting the situation whenever it arises. I also ensure that I’m on top of my game.
• Have you received any formal training or education related to your current position? Have you completed any relevant certifications or degrees? Have you had any mentors or role models who have influenced your professional journey? (senior colleagues or industry experts)
Answer: There are no certifications in recent times. I’ve received mentorship from both male and female senior colleagues.
• How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and self-care practices?
Answer: By scheduling activities around my personal and official duties weekly. I have also employed help with personal activities.
• What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the built environment of higher education? (prompt: Do you aspire to become a leader in your field or contribute to innovative projects within the industry?)
Answer: To lead and be a renowned expert in my field.
• What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the built environment of higher education? (prompt: Networking with professionals in the field, staying updated on industry trends, being open to continuous learning and growth, and gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteer opportunities can provide valuable insights and help build a strong foundation for a successful career in the built environment of higher education).
Answer: Be open to growth, seek opportunities and take advantage of them. Also to establish good relationships with fellow professionals.
• In what ways do you think the broader societal and cultural norms context in Northern Nigeria/Greater Cairo influences gender disparities within the built environment field, and how can these be addressed effectively?
Answers: Culturally and religion. People should be enlightened on the roles of all genders in development of a society.
• In your opinion, what role can institutions and stakeholders play in promoting gender equity and creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for female academics in the built environment field?
Answer: Creating a levelled playing ground. Females should be encouraged to be involved in decision making and career progression.
• Is there anything else that you would like to share?
Answer: No
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