By: Kruti Jain, Director, Kumar Urban Development
Track2Realty Exclusive: Historically, the involvement of women in matters relating to real estate has been there as it was always a small scale family run business. So, handling administrative and employee management was a common role of developer wife’s.
But on the service side the opportunities were minimal. This was for multiple reasons not only education but also lack of infrastructure and security for women to work independently. Also, in a male dominated society as ours, women are confined to the role of housewives. This is especially true for women in the rural areas of the country. Their consent or advice is barely taken in financial matters.
However, things are changing at a fast pace. The 21st century has seen the emergence of women as power wielders in great force. Now, women are leaders everywhere you look–from the CEO who runs a Fortune 500 company to the housewife who raises her children and heads her household.
With more women playing a greater role in the boardroom, equality in women legislative rights, and an increase in the number of impressive women role models in every aspect of life, one would think that women might have just gained true equality. However, there are miles to go before this utopian dream turns into a reality.
Women have conventionally been allotted prominent roles only in traditionally women-centric fields such as nursing and other similar professions. However, things are changing rapidly now. An increasing number of women are dominating the male stronghold areas.
Women are in every possible field today and the real estate is no exception. Considered to be a very male centric industry, a rising number of women are joining the real estate sector and excelling at it. It has to be noted that it is the organised sector of the industry which is spearheading this revolution.
As a woman and third generation into the business of real estate, personally I feel privileged to have grown up in an atmosphere where being in the business was a natural progression. However, I do understand that all women are not that privileged and at times they do feel some discrimination at various level.
I try my best to encourage more women employees in my organisation and most importantly give try to prove equal opportunity employer in the true sense of the term.
Having said that, I must say women are joining this burgeoning industry in several key capacities in good numbers lately. The rate of involvement of women in real estate is growing at a healthy pace and there is no ceiling for women’s growth and income. Most of the international firms already have women in their teams who are actively working on projects. In India, there is a slow but promising change for the same.
A woman in today’s scenario stands at the same pedestal as men. She is independent, self-earning and intelligent enough to make decisions for herself. A broader market vision, positive, interpersonal and warm board dynamics, and increase in corporate goodwill are what women bring to the table when they reach the upper echelons of companies. Successful and happy women communicate a feeling of empowerment for other aspiring women and are a source of inspiration to all.
In this business, it is very important to maintain good interpersonal relationships. The ability to get work done and a compassionate approach towards people is what makes a woman a better leader.
