In celebrating International Women’s Month, the ARU Built Environment Consulting Company Limited (ABECC) of Ardhi University (ARU) hosted a vibrant talk session on March 18, 2026, titled ‘Widen the Bottleneck that Impedes Women's Career Growth in the Built Environment Consulting Industry.’
The event gathered female staff and students to discuss the challenges that cause women not to engage in the built environment industry despite an increase in women's enrolment in built environment academic programs.
Speaking while opening the discussion, the Director of Diversity Management of ARU, Dr. Dawah Magembe, said that empowering women is not just a matter of equity, but a strategic necessity for the industry’s long-term strength.
She said that increased participation from women is proven to foster innovation, expand worker capacity, and ensure long-term economic growth, and that by encouraging gender-diverse teams, the consulting sector can tap into enhanced problem-solving, more refined decision-making processes, and a healthier workplace culture.
On her side, the Acting Managing Director of ABECC, Dr. Isabela Mtani, reaffirmed ABECC’s commitment to pulling apart these professional obstacles by actively bridging the gap between female professionals and progressive businesses.
Dr. Mtani stated that the initiative aims to promote an inclusive and dynamic industry where talent is matched with opportunity regardless of gender. She also emphasized that ABECC remains committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable future by ensuring that the built environment consulting industry genuinely reflects the diversity in design and construction.
The main objective of ABECC is to coordinate, execute, and enhance the quality delivery of consultancy services in the built environment in Tanzania and beyond by utilizing specialized expertise from ARU.ABECC aims to provide reliable, affordable, and high-quality services while enhancing ARU’s capacity to generate internal revenue.