Across most global business sectors, women struggle to achieve equal rights, but it doesn’t appear to be as challenging within the finance sector of the property industry. Although it has largely been a male-dominated industry for decades, there has been a shift in the alpha male culture, but is it enough?
WATCH : Women changing the face of homeownership
Venusha Naidoo, Regional Manager Absa Home Loans KZN, shares her thoughts:
“With the changing work environment, we are starting to see a diverse environment where more women are not only joining the Absa Home Loans section but are also leading our business’s internal and external units. They are fulfilling roles in regional management positions as sales managers and team leaders. We also see a very strong female presence within the agent, conveyancer and origination channels with whom we have dealings.
“This diversity allows for a more creative and innovative environment, and I believe that the property industry is very open to this. Women are now enabled to work against stereotypes and foster a sisterhood. They are good champions for younger women of all races and ages wanting to join the industry. Employers are also respecting the value that women bring to the market given their unique skill sets and aptitude for home-making, which merges well into this sector.”
This is an aspect that Naidoo believes is crucial, particularly because a home loan journey is usually a sentimental one, especially for those with families.
“Women bring a different view and response to that sentimental aspect. They understand the need for women to protect their families with a roof over their heads and to make a home as comfortable as possible for their loved ones. In addition, they are able to introduce creative thinking and new innovative ways to work.”
The traits that Naidoo identifies as specifically female - and based purely on her own experiences within the Absa property sector - are passion, tenacity and a never-give-up mindset. “And a genuine love for people,” she says.
“Within Absa Home Loans, and as a leader myself within a network of largely female colleagues, I feel blessed to be surrounded by strong women like Caroline King, Head of Sales at Absa, and Nondumiso Ncapai, the first Absa Home Loans female Managing Executive.
“These are women, along with Thenji Sithole, Head of Tech, who are pioneering paths for other women to follow. I interpret their executive positions as an exciting trend largely because all display the characteristics I value, including strength, flexibility, being client-centric, able to multi-task, and an unwavering focus on their careers, their jobs and yet still find quality time with their own loved ones. This is the type of dedication that women display - the caring for everyone and everything around them. ”
Fundamentally, the property industry needs such a focus because, as Naidoo points out, the home loan journey is more than a buy-and-sell decision. It’s really about the fulfilment of dreams and facilitating the achievement thereof. “What we are really doing is helping families to acquire their dream home, where they can create happy memories. Women tend to understand this better, in my opinion, than our male counterparts. That is not to say that we don’t need our male colleagues, quite the reverse actually.
“Men today are far more tolerant and seemingly have a strong feminist attitude, but should issues like inequality crop up; I believe that our industry has evolved enough to overcome those issues. It is important that we know we have the support of our male colleagues because gender equality is not simply a female issue in isolation. While it may have taken many decades for women to gain the trust and respect of our male counterparts in the property arena, I think today’s contemporary man is much evolved and accepting of what we bring to the table.”
This has translated into many more women being welcomed to the industry and, more importantly, being able to grow strong careers in the property space, and in particular at Absa. Naidoo believes she is one such individual, having experienced equality in action through the opportunities that have opened up to her within the bank.
“It's the same for other women, particularly the younger generation. They are being guided and mentored by not just strong women but also strong men who see their potential. Absa has a very equal society, and whilst remaining professional, there is a strong sense of family unity amongst us all.
“Ultimately, Absa Home Loans has the ambition to house the nation and shape the industry in a meaningful way. This is why I love my job, my peers and my employer. Absa’s goals have become my goals,” concludes Naidoo.
Writer : Kerry Dimmer
