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Introduction

At PropTech Convention ’24, a panel discussion on women in real estate Pakistan shed light on the evolving role of women in the industry. Moderated by Ms. Sarwat Nasim, the discussion featured insights from Ms. Laiba Azam, Ms. Nilofer Lalani, Ms. Marium Madhupurwala, Ar. Sobiya Munawar, and Ms. Rashida Soni. The panelists explored key challenges, opportunities, and the importance of gender diversity in the real estate sector.

As women continue to make strides in real estate careers, their contributions to property development, investment, sales, and sustainability are reshaping the industry. The discussion focused on the barriers women face, the importance of mentorship, and the role of technology in modern real estate.

Women’s Growing Presence in the Real Estate Industry

Traditionally a male-dominated sector, real estate in Pakistan is now witnessing a shift as more women enter the industry as investors, developers, marketers, and sales professionals. Many have transitioned from different careers into real estate, bringing fresh perspectives and new business models.

Despite the progress, the participation of women in property ownership remains low. Increasing female real estate investors will not only empower women financially but also contribute to a more inclusive economy. Real estate firms are now actively encouraging women entrepreneurs to launch their businesses and providing them with more opportunities to thrive.

Challenges Faced by Women in Real Estate

Despite the growing presence of women in property development and investment, several cultural and financial barriers continue to hinder progress:

• Cultural and societal expectations often discourage women from choosing real estate as a career.
• Limited access to financing makes it difficult for women to secure loans for investment and business expansion.
• Workplace challenges persist in a male-dominated industry, limiting opportunities for leadership roles.
• Safety concerns, especially in field-based roles, remain a significant issue.

These challenges highlight the need for inclusive policies and supportive mentorship programs to help women establish and grow their businesses in real estate.

The Role of Mentorship and Networking

A key takeaway from the discussion was the importance of mentorship in helping women navigate the real estate sector. Many experienced professionals have struggled through similar challenges and can offer valuable guidance to younger professionals.

Networking also plays a crucial role in career growth, as real estate is a relationship-driven industry. Establishing strong professional connections helps women gain clients, investment opportunities, and business partnerships.

Several industry platforms, including women-led real estate groups, have emerged to foster mentorship and create opportunities for women real estate professionals to collaborate and grow their careers.

Emotional Intelligence: A Key Strength for Women in Real Estate

The panel highlighted that women often excel in emotional intelligence (EQ), which plays a significant role in marketing, sales, negotiations, and client relations.

Unlike IQ, which focuses on problem-solving, EQ is essential for building trust, understanding client needs, and managing business relationships. Women’s ability to connect with clients on a deeper level makes them highly effective in real estate sales and property management.

Technology and Innovation: Women Driving Change

As the real estate industry embraces digital transformation, women are increasingly contributing to technology-driven solutions. From real estate apps to virtual property tours and AI-powered marketing strategies, female entrepreneurs are leading innovation in real estate technology.

Key technological trends that women are adopting include:

• AI-driven marketing to enhance branding and property sales.
• Virtual property tours for better customer engagement.
• Smart property management solutions for landlords and investors.
• Social media strategies to improve property visibility and attract buyers.

By leveraging PropTech solutions, women professionals are building stronger brands and competing more effectively in the market.

Sustainability and Women’s Role in Future Real Estate Development

Sustainability is another area where women are making an impact. More female professionals in real estate development are advocating for eco-friendly construction, energy-efficient homes, and sustainable urban planning.

Some of the key areas where women are leading sustainability efforts include:

• Using environmentally friendly materials in construction.
• Promoting green building practices to reduce carbon footprints.
• Designing functional living spaces that support well-being.
• Encouraging better long-term maintenance of residential and commercial buildings.

Given the lack of proper maintenance systems in many of Pakistan’s properties, women-led initiatives are pushing for better management and sustainable development practices.

Encouraging More Women to Join Real Estate

The discussion concluded with a call to action to increase women’s participation in the real estate sector. Some recommendations included:

• Expanding financial opportunities for women to invest in real estate.
• Introducing more educational programs to attract young professionals.
• Creating mentorship and internship programs to provide industry exposure.
• Developing workplace policies that support equal leadership opportunities.

With the right support, policies, and training, more women can enter and excel in real estate careers across Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Women in Real Estate Pakistan panel at PropTech Convention ’24 highlighted the growing influence of female professionals in the industry. Despite challenges, women continue to thrive as investors, developers, and entrepreneurs, proving that the real estate sector is evolving beyond its male-dominated past.

By leveraging technology, building strong networks, and promoting sustainability, women are paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative real estate future. The panelists emphasized that mentorship, education, and financial empowerment are essential to ensuring that women continue to break barriers and lead in property development and investment.

As more women enter real estate careers, their contributions will play a vital role in shaping Pakistan’s property sector for the better.