The Developers Digest Q1 Issue

27
opinion
3. In your opinion, what is the nexus between
digitization and gender equality and how
can technology bridge the gender gap in the
industry?
Technology is definitely playing an important
role in the evolution of real estate. We have seen
other sectors getting disrupted by technology
and it is inevitable that this will also happen in
the real estate sector. Awareness and forwardthinking
will be vital in strategy and the approach
to certain aspects of the ever-evolving real estate
environment. Anyone who is anticipating these
disruptions can position themselves by learning
the necessary digital skills required to adapt
when the disruption inevitably occurs.
Learning digital skills also allow for improved
efficiency and transformation.
4. What sacrifices have you had to make for your
career as a woman?
I have been blessed to work at a firm that
gives the same rights and opportunities to all
regardless of gender. I have however in the
past had to make choices to forego certain
opportunities that entailed travel especially
when my kids were younger. I do not regret those
choices.
5. What practical measures can individuals,
companies and society take to support greater
gender balance in the real estate sector?
Some of these measures include
(i) acknowledging the gender imbalance
(ii) being mindful when recruiting – remove
gender biases – the mindset that certain jobs
can only be performed by a certain sex
(iii) removing any gender pay gap (if such exists)
(iv) build an enabling environment in the work
place
6. Are you currently working on any exciting
new projects? How do you think that will help
people and communities?
Yes I am. Outside work I am wellness enthusiast.
I am passionate about movement having seen
the huge beneficial effect it has had on my life.
One of the physical activities I do is yoga - I have
been practicing it for over 8 years. I first noticed
the positive impact practising yoga had on my
physical health – balance, strength, flexibility
and increased body awareness. With time, I
also began to notice the immense benefit of my
practice to my mental well- being and all other
aspects of my life.
I partnered with a friend last year (who is also a
lawyer) to open a yoga and wellness studio at
ABC Place, Westlands. The name of the studio is
Siha Wellness Studios. Having seen the benefits
of this practice in our lives, we wanted to share it
with others in a space where they feel welcomed
with no judgment.
7. What is a skill you think all women should
learn and why?
I got this quote from book I read some time back:
“give yourself more grace, less judgement, more
credit, less criticism”. I remind myself of this
everyday. We can be our own worst critic and we
need to treat ourselves with compassion
8. If you could dine with three inspirational
women, dead or alive, who would they be and
why?
My mother – the older I get the more I understand
the choices and sacrifices she made when
growing up. Her ambition and drive continues to
inspire me
Gerda Lerna and Raine Eisler – I have been
reading their books on understanding patriarchy.
Her books have helped me understand and get
answers to so many questions I had on these
inequitable systems
9. On international women’s day, what is the
most important advice you can give to women
just starting their real estate careers?
Know your trade and profession and know it
well. Stay up to date with developments in your
profession. Be a critical thinker, take initiative and
be proactive. And lastly give yourself more credit
and less criticism, more grace less judgment.
Adopting a Long-term Perspective in the Real Estate Sector