Founders
Yinka Ogunsulire
Yinka OGUNSULIRE is a property development and infrastructure professional with 30+ years’ experience initiating and managing large scale real estate and housing infrastructure projects. She currently serves as Managing Director/CEO of Orange Island Development Company.
Mosun Ogunbanjo
Mosun OGUNBANJO is an architect, designer, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and hotelier. She is the founding CEO of the design and architectural firm, MOE+ art Architecture, which for over 30 years has designed and developed a wide range of building projects.
Our Story
Empowering dreams, building futures
In the bustling city of Lagos, two women, Mosun Ogunbanjo and Yinka Ogunsulire found themselves navigating the challenging terrain of the construction industry. Both experienced professionals in the built environment, they shared a common vision beyond brick and mortar – a vision rooted in empowering underprivileged women and fostering diversity within the construction sector.
Their journey began with a realization that women, particularly those facing economic hardship, were significantly underrepresented in the construction industry. Having faced their fair share of challenges, they were determined to break the gender barriers and pave the way for others. They recognized that creating real change required more than just challenging stereotypes, it demanded active efforts to equip women with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Inspired by a shared passion for social impact, they founded Building Women, a social initiative dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the construction sector. Their mission was clear: to provide a platform for underprivileged women to access skill training and employment opportunities, thus breaking the cycle of poverty and gender-based limitations.
'Ours is a testament to the belief that when women are given the tools and opportunities to thrive, they can indeed build a future where diversity is not just welcomed but celebrated'.
Building Women adopted a multi-faceted approach to address the various challenges these women faced. The organization partnered with local developers and construction companies to offer specialized training programs in construction-related skills, ensuring that participants gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. This not only empowered them with valuable skills but also boosted their confidence to pursue careers in an industry where they were traditionally overlooked.
Recognizing the importance of mentorship, the women collaborated with established professionals in the construction sector to serve as mentors for the aspiring women. These mentors not only shared their knowledge but also provided guidance, helping participants navigate the complexities of the industry with seasoned insights.
Building Women didn’t stop at just skill development. The organization actively engaged with construction companies, advocating for inclusivity and encouraging them to embrace diverse talent. They believed that true change would come when the industry itself recognized and celebrated the contributions of women.
Through Building Women, Mosun and Yinka aim not only to transform individual lives but have also set in motion a ripple effect that hopefully will reshape the landscape of the construction industry in Nigeria.
