The Developers Digest Q1 Issue

33
opinion
the community, and neighbourhood. Secondly,
by ensuring the building is designed to enable
access by physically disabled persons on the
lower ground floor units, main courtyard and
laundry area. In addition, considerations have
been made on the type, height and size of
signages to enable easier navigation access view.
Local labour and employment of women have
been prioritised on our site. To date we have been
able to achieve at least 12% representation. Our
aim is to have at least 30% women employed on
our site.
5. What is a skill you think all women should
learn and why?
There is a skills and gender gap in the design and
build sector. We need to bridge both gaps and I
therefore encourage women to pursue accredited
skills that fall within the broad spectrum of the
sector.
Zima Homes
BuildX Studio. Zima Homes was conceptuliased
to exemplify what sustainable, green and
dignified housing should look like for the bottom
40% of the population.
We have stayed true to that mission and Zima
Homes is now one of only a few affordable
housing projects in Kenya and the larger East
Africa region to become EDGE Certified.
We not only want to provide affordable housing
for the low income bracket but we also want to
encourage community living with designated
spaces for socialising in the courtyard and
rooftop. Zima Homes is centrally located in an
up and coming rental market and just by a newly
constructed major highway affording anyone
who will live at Zima great access to public
transportation and easy access to major business
nodes and shopping centres.
Inclusivity is an important element in this project
and we are tackling it in three key ways. Firstly, at
macro level, the project site is located adjacent
to a major accessible road that will be frequented
by public transport vehicles 5 minutes’ walk from
the property entrance, making it inclusive to
There are organisations such Buildher- a sister
company to BuildX Studio- that are equipping
women with accredited construction skills.
They have also recently partnered with the
government on the affordable housing agenda, so
a lot of their graduates will work in these projects.
This goes to show that there are opportunities in
the sector but women need to be proactive and
design and construction companies need to be
open to giving women a chance.
6. If you could dine with three inspirational
women, dead or alive, who would they be and
why?
Not able to answer just now
7. On international women’s day, what is the
most important advice you can give to women
just starting their real estate careers?
I would say, be confident, be clear, and be
courageous. The Real Estate world is just like
any other sector, it’s just been male-dominated
for so long but if you are confident, clear and
courageous, most people give you the room.
People are willing to learn from each other. Don’t
be arrogant or self righteous; just take your
space and let those willing to participate with
you participate and those who don’t let them be.
Don’t get angry, just be calm.
Adopting a Long-term Perspective in the Real Estate Sector