Mamodupi Mohlala | Co-Founder | Women in Property (WIP) | mail me |
For centuries, the property sector has been predominately male. This was true not only in property sales but also in the building and maintenance of small and large-scale developments. Women were rarely considered for roles such as architects or artisans.
In recent years, however, this has begun to change. Women are skilling themselves in areas that were once seen as male dominated. This shift has created new opportunities to rethink strategy, inclusion and transformation in property development. Business leaders and managers can draw lessons from this change by analysing how diversity impacts growth, innovation and competitiveness.
Expanding participation in the property sector
The aim of initiatives supporting black women in property is to ensure that women become direct economic beneficiaries. They should gain from transactions, projects and opportunities in the sector.
Importantly, women should not remain confined to buyers or entry-level investors. Instead, they must be positioned as service providers, leaders and professionals within the property market.
While there is growing participation of black women as homebuyers and investors, current statistics from a 2022 Gender Diversity Report and the B-BBEE Commission reveal persistent inequality. Black women remain under-represented in ownership, control, management and professional roles. This limited representation restricts their influence over decision-making and transformation.
Barriers and opportunities
Efforts are being made to address these inequalities, yet progress has been slow. The property sector still reflects vast disparities in transformation, with few black-owned development enterprises. For managers and policymakers, this highlights the importance of designing strategies that actively include women, particularly black women in property.
One key strategy is creating platforms where women can find opportunities to apply their skills. Too often, jobs go to male counterparts despite equal or greater competence among women.
Expanding access and building equitable systems of participation are essential to sustainable transformation.
Urban and rural divide
The challenges facing women in property extend beyond gender. Geographic inequality also plays a role. Urban centres may provide more opportunities, but rural areas are frequently left behind.
Black women in property are therefore working to bridge this urban–rural divide by building networks, sharing resources and fostering collaboration across provinces.
For business leaders, this highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to both urban and rural realities. It is not enough to design initiatives for metropolitan areas alone. Inclusive transformation requires building systems that connect all regions and communities.
Property as the heart of the economy
Property remains the heart and soul of the economy. It provides not only housing but also infrastructure, commercial spaces, and platforms for future investment. Women must participate in this sector as beneficiaries, thought leaders, investors and career builders. Their presence expands innovation and helps shape sustainable growth.
Current programs, such as urban renewal, rural development and social housing, reflect the growing focus on inclusivity. These initiatives aim to increase access to affordable housing while creating pathways for women to contribute meaningfully to economic development.
The broader lesson for management is clear: transformation requires deliberate effort, strategic partnerships and a long-term vision.