The Developers Digest Q1 Issue

38
opinion
By Samantha Muna
Director, Trianum Hospitality Ltd
1. What is equality in your own words?
Equal career opportunities for both men and
women without gender discrimination.
2. Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so
important?
Each person has a great deal to offer no matter
their gender, race, age, social and educational
background. The more each organization is open to
the perspectives of other people who are not from
similar backgrounds, the more likely it is to remain
relevant and succeed, in spite of turbulent times.
3. In your opinion, what is the nexus between
digitization and gender equality and how
can technology bridge the gender gap in the
industry?
Digitization increase the scope of both innovation
and creativity and these are critical components
for any organization to become more resilient
in the face of constant change. Gender equity in
this fast changing environment allows different
perspectives to be considered from varying
viewpoints for each challenge and opportunity
faced.
4. What sacrifices have you had to make for your
career as a woman?
None that I can think off.
5. What practical measures can individuals,
companies and society take to support greater
gender balance in the real estate sector?
I believe in being proactive about equal pay for
equal jobs, competitive recruiting across genders
for all job roles, and promotions or succession
based on competence.
6. Are you currently working on any exciting new
projects?
Yes, I am but I will make it public at a later time.
How do you think that will help people and
communities? The project will provide increased
investment opportunities in hospitality real
estate and create new job opportunities for
disadvantaged persons who would typically not be
reached.
7. What is a skill you think all women should learn
and why?
(a) To talk about their successes and
accomplishments instead of playing them
down
(b) Tenacity and grit to stay in the game even when
it gets tough.
8. If you could dine with three inspirational
women, dead or alive, who would they be and
why?
• Margaret Thatcher, former UK Prime Minister
– she achieved what few women would have
managed in her time and paved the way for
female politician’s around the world.
• Mama Ngina Kenyatta, wife of the late Mzee
Jomo Kenyatta and mother of the former
President of Kenya – married at 18 to a man 40
years her senior, she became his 4th wife and
widowed at only 45 years old, yet she quietly
managed to weave an expansive empire. She
embodies the saying, “It is not where you start,
but what you make of the opportunities you
have.”
• Maryanne Musangi, CEO of Haco Industries –
she is making an impact as a female leader and
a great name for herself despite coming from
under the very long shadow of her late father.
9. On international women’s day, what is the most
important advice you can give to women just
starting their real estate careers?
The current world has provided young women
with a vast array of career opportunities unlike
any other time in modern history. Make use of
these opportunities by being clear about your
goals, network widely, learn constantly and face
challenges with tenacity and grit. Do not be afraid
to stumble and fall but be sure to get up and keep
going in order to succeed.
Adopting a Long-term Perspective in the Real Estate Sector