Blueprints of Change: Stories of Women in Property Development

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to recognize the incredible achievements of women in our industry. This year, our focus is on ‘Inspiring Inclusion,’ and we believe the unique perspectives and experiences of our female members can truly illuminate this theme. We invite you to engage with our blog series dedicated to showcasing the diverse journeys and successes of our female members. Their stories are powerful tools for empowerment and inspiration and we’re excited to share them with our community. Join us as we celebrate their journeys, amplify their voices and champion inclusivity in the property development sector.

This year’s theme is “Inspiring Inclusion”. As a career woman, what does that mean to you?

As a career woman, it means being an active participant in bridging the gap of representation of women from diverse economic, social and political backgrounds in the legal business industry. This means I am thinking about a) who (woman) can I bring with me to the table? What am I doing in an individual capacity to help young women and girls in my profession?

In my career I am continuously mentoring girls and young women to confidently chase their dreams especially in careers where they have been labelled “male- dominated” or “boys club”. As a woman in this era, I preach to them that you can be anything you want and economically empowered as many women have gone ahead of us and paved the way for us.

It is important that I also teach them to pay it forward so that we are lifting up each woman and girl around them including those marginalised.

How has being a woman influenced your experience in the property development industry?

Real estate industry is a male dominated industry therefore being a woman in the legal industry supporting this industry has forced me to be assertive and push my way through the barriers.

It has also given me the opportunity to be mentored by other brilliant women in the property development industry.

Can you share a specific example where your gender presented challenges or barriers in your career journey?

Yes, I have experienced challenges or barriers in my career development related to motherhood. I have seen how choosing to be a mother affected my acceleration in the workplace as you are perceived as “unproductive” or you are not passionate about career progression which is a far cry to your intentions. Therefore, it means your peers who are male have a higher chance of accelerating the corporate ladder in the workplace than you because of your gender.

 In what ways have you championed inclusivity and diversity within your professional sphere?

Through mentorship and leading by example. As a woman, there are no barriers to what you can create and I live by this mantra.

Have you encountered any instances where your perspective as a woman brought unique insights or solutions to a project or problem?

Yes, I think being a woman means that you have a nurturing spirit. I have encountered instances where I have impressed on the team to build a relationship with partners and clients in the industry where it may have not been a priority for the business.

What strategies have you employed to navigate and overcome gender biases in the property development sector?

Collaboration with fellow professional women in the industry who have been in the game longer than I have to mentor me and walk with them in breaking down barriers for women in the industry.

As a female leader, what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?

I am proud that the Tarra Agility Africa team is made up of 70% women and this speaks to my passion for inclusivity focused on forging women’s economic empowerment. Tarra Agility Africa being a legal, tax and accounting advisory firm, I take initiative in advocating for female gender recruitment in the team despite the perception that for example tax and accounting is a preserve of the male gender.

 As a female team leader, I am also cognisant of pay gaps between men and women in the legal industry. I have taken the responsibility in the leadership to ensure that there is pay equity in the Tarra workplace.

In terms of decision making, I ensure that the women in the team have their voices heard and the decisions taken by the leadership are alive to the female gender lens. This ensures that I am supporting women and girls into leadership and decision making.

We also need the men in our team to be allies and champion the inclusivity of women in the business. I am always talking to the men in the team to support the women in the work environment.

How do you envision the role of women evolving in the property development industry in the coming years?

I foresee the industry increasingly having women leadership and representation taking shape and space in the industry transforming it into a more inclusive sector. This means having a seat at the table to make decisions that support the economic, political and social empowerment of women.

What advice would you offer to young women entering the property development field to navigate and thrive in a male-dominated industry?

Firstly, get your professional education and experience which will lay your foundation in the industry. Education is an equaliser to access opportunities.

Be authentic. Women have their own unique set of perspectives that are valuable in the industry. Therefore, be audacious and speak up constantly even when your voice is shaking.

Continuously show your expertise and professionalism to gain peer respect. Network and seek mentorship from other women in the industry.

Have the courage to face rejection and use this rejection to build yourself. Create a table for yourself if a chair on the table is not being pulled for you. Do not wait for opportunities to be created for you, create them for yourself.

On International Women’s Day, what actionable steps can organizations like KPDA take to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women within the sector?

Bring more women to the table as leaders and decision makers to drive the agenda within the sector and increase their representation in the business value chain and ladder.

 Marjorie Kivuva Bio

I am the founder of Kivuva & Company Advocates and the Co-Founder of Tarra Agility Africa. Tarra Agility Africa is a boutique international tax, legal and accounting advisory firm specializing in supporting ambitious investments into and within Africa. I am the partner in charge of the Real Estate and Finance Practice. I am an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 15 years’ experience gained while working in three globally ranked law firms in Nairobi, Kenya.

Phoebe Maganjo- Managing Director, A-List Real Estate

With a career spanning over a decade, Phoebe’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the craft of real estate. From her early days in property development sales and marketing to her current role at the helm of A-LIST Real Estate, Phoebe’s commitment to quality, affordability, and empowerment shines through in every project she undertakes.

Meet Phoebe Maganjo, the visionary founder and managing director of A-LIST Real Estate. As a strong believer in building relationships, collaboration and women empowerment, she strives to create a more inclusive and equitable industry for all. Her passion for diversity and inclusion is not just a mission—it’s a way of life, ingrained in the very fabric of A-list Real Estate’s ethos. We hope you enjoy the extraordinary story of Phoebe—a story of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence and empowerment.

This year’s theme is “Inspiring Inclusion”. As a career woman, what does that mean to you?

The theme “Inspiring Inclusion” resonates deeply with me. It’s not just a catchphrase; it embodies a vision I strive to uphold in both my personal and professional life.

Being a career woman means more than just excelling in my field. It means actively working to create an environment where everyone feels valued and included, regardless of their background, gender, or any other factor. It means recognizing the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual has and having a voice in the decision-making processes.

It’s about fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and understanding, where differences are not deal breakers.

1. How has being a woman influenced your experience in the property development industry?

I am aware of the disparities and biases that exist within the industry. However, I’ve learned to leverage my strengths, such as communication, empathy, and attention to detail, to my advantage.

This has allowed me to connect with clients on a deeper level. I find that many individuals feel more comfortable working with someone who understands their needs and concerns.I have largely embraced collaboration on projects with professionals in the built industry. This has helped me build strong relationships and trust with my clients, which is essential in the property space.

1. Can you share a specific example where your gender presented challenges or barriers in your career journey?

 

There have been instances where I have felt underestimated or overlooked simply because of my gender.

One particular instance stands out in my career. It occurred during a meeting with potential investors I was representing who were  looking for land  for development.

As I entered the meeting room, I immediately noticed that I was the only woman  in that meeting . Despite my extensive preparation and knowledge of the property being sold,  I could sense a subtle exclusion  of my input  by both parties in the room .

Looking back, I feel so proud of myself because I persevered through all the negotiation stages of the transaction. Eventually our company  was selected as  one of the exclusive agents for the development that  now stands as  beautiful villas and townhouses in the upmarket area of Lavington.

1. In what ways have you championed inclusivity and diversity within your professional sphere?

At A-list Real Estate we endeavour to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration, ensuring that every team member has a voice and feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives.

I advocate for equal opportunities for advancement and career development, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. I support initiatives such as mentorship programs and training opportunities that help to level the playing field and provide pathways for growth for all employees.

1. Have you encountered any instances where your perspective as a woman brought unique insights or solutions to a project or problem?

Absolutely. There have been numerous instances. As a real estate agent, I  am on the ground and this gives me an understanding of the needs of our clients. We collaborate with developers and architects to consider what homeowners want and need.

One notable example occurred during the planning phase of a residential development project aimed at creating affordable housing options for families. As part of the planning team, I emphasized the importance of considering the specific needs and preferences of women and families in the design and layout of the housing units.

Drawing from my own experiences and conversations with other women, I highlighted the significance of features such as  special rooms like pantries and laundry spaces, ample storage space, well-lit communal areas, and child-friendly designs. These insights helped to shape the design of the housing units in a way that prioritised comfort, safety, and functionality for residents, particularly women, and families.

1. What strategies have you employed to navigate and overcome gender biases in the property development sector?

By being assertive, factual  and confident in my abilities. In every project I undertake, I demonstrate competence and self-assurance.

I also surround myself with a supportive network of colleagues, mentors, and allies who have been invaluable. Having people who understand and advocate for my experiences helps me feel empowered and validated in my professional journey.

Additionally, I engage in networking opportunities and seek out mentorship from industry leaders, both male and female.

7. As a female leader, what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?

Being a wife and a mom, I recognize the importance of work-life balance. I have implemented flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, flexible hours, and job sharing. These arrangements help accommodate the diverse needs of employees

I have also developed a mentorship and sponsorship program aimed at supporting career development. This program pairs employees with more experienced mentors who provide guidance, advice, and advocacy to help them advance in their careers.

As they say, your company is as good as your employees so I train, mentor, and push my employees to be better individuals in a holistic way.

8. How do you envision the role of women evolving in the property development industry in the coming years?

As more women enter the industry and break through barriers, I expect to see a greater representation of women in leadership positions within property development firms. This shift will bring diverse perspectives to decision-making processes and contribute to more inclusive and innovative approaches to project development.

Women continue to make strides in traditionally male-dominated areas of property development, such as architecture, engineering, and construction management. With advancements in education and training opportunities, women will excel in specialized fields and play key roles in shaping the built environment.

9. Can you highlight a project or collaboration where diversity and inclusion were integral to its success?

Last year, I had the privilege of collaborating on fitting out a commercial space we had sourced for a client setting up a call  centre as  their  first branch in Africa.

Given a call centre required extensive hours of operation being a 24 hours time scheduled job, the requirement was to adopt a holistic approach that considered  physical design, employee well-being, and operational efficiency.. This project was particularly special because it embodied the spirit of inclusivity and brought together people from diverse backgrounds to create something truly remarkable.

We curated an ergonomic workspace that ensured the call  agents can work comfortably for extended periods.One of the notable features of the call centre in their design, they put up washrooms for people with disabilities in their fitted space and  had a lactating room for mothers. Most commercial spaces only curate male and female washrooms in their designs and rely on the building developers  to provide washrooms for PWD.

10. What advice would you offer to young women entering the property development field to navigate and thrive in a male-dominated industry?

The property development field can be demanding and competitive, but don’t let obstacles deter you. The internet and social media spaces are equalizers, Stay resilient, persevere through setbacks, and remain focused on your long-term goals.

Also, attend industry events, join professional organizations, and actively network with colleagues and potential clients. Building relationships in the industry can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

11. On International Women’s Day, what actionable steps can organizations like KPDA take to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women within the sector?

KPDA can take a central role in encouraging gender diversity in leadership positions. Firstly, develop and  Implement policies and practices that support the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in leadership roles

Secondly, recognize and celebrate the achievements of women within the organization. Highlight their contributions to the success of projects, initiatives, and the overall growth of the organization.

Lastly, it can encourage partnerships and collaborations with women-owned businesses in the property development sector. Provide opportunities for women entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and expertise through projects and initiatives.

 

Phoebe Maganjo Profile

Helping people create generational wealth and achieve lifelong goals by assisting them to obtain one of the largest investments of their life is what keeps me motivated.

I am Phoebe Maganjo, founder and managing director of A-list Real Estate. A-list Real Estate is a premier  real estate firm offering Exceptional Real Estate Agency, Sales & Marketing, Property Advisory & Facilities Management Services.

I am passionate about real estate,with over 10 years experience gained in property development sales and marketing ,project financial monitoring,sourcing of real estate opportunities, general property  management, and supervision.

I am a strong believer in building relationships, collaboration and women empowerment. My aim is to provide quality, affordable, A-list opportunities and solutions across board.

I hold a Masters degree  in Real Estate, Property Management & Valuation, a Bachelors in Business Management (Finance and Banking) Option and Accounting, CPA IV.

I’m a registered and Practising member of the Estate Agents Registration Board (EARB).

Sarah Mbwaya- Founder, Aspectus Limited

Allow me to introduce myself,

My name is Sarah Mbwaya, an electrical engineer, energy specialist, board member and award-winning renewable energy entrepreneur from Kenya. I am a co-founder and Managing Director of Aspectus Limited, a successful women-owned and women-led award-winning Solar Energy Company availing clean & sustainable energy solutions across Africa; I have been a system engineer in the past and have sat (and still sit) on a few boards; All these being male-dominated with very few women

 Questions:

1. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Inclusion”. As a career woman, what does that mean to you? Embracing, recognizing & including women; giving them equal opportunities (breaking the glass ceiling)
2. How has being a woman influenced your experience in the property development industry? – I have had to understand myself as a women, understand the opportunities available in the industry and come up with unique strategies that take advantage of my unique skills as women while paying attention to any that may not work for me; I realized that I can succeed the field by being a woman and recognizing  and taking advantage of the unique skills I have as women e.g. nature and applying them into my career ; being authentic
3. Can you share a specific example where your gender presented challenges or barriers in your career journey? – many years ago, when I left college, I was a computer system engineer. This involved going to customers place to repair their systems. At the time lady engineers were very few if any and people had not seen a lady opening computers and putting them back. Every time I got sent to client’s place, everyone in the client’s office stopped working to see this lady repairing computers. This was just too much pressure and anxiety; and yet I knew I could not fail. I always had to prepare very well, understand the problems I was going to solve, great scenarios because I knew I could not fail. This situation was different for my male colleagues.

There is also a sense in which as a woman in a very technical field some write you off even before you open your mouth. Preparation is usually the key for me. Knowing my subject matter and focusing on solving the client’s problems has worked most of the time.

1. In what ways have you championed inclusivity and diversity within your professional sphere? Being an engineer, I have spoken to young girls about STEM. I have done this by speaking in schools and doing one on one or group mentoring where I share my story so they know they too can. I support the girl child especially from disadvantaged backgrounds.

I am also the country chair of African Women in Energy and power (AWEaP) a Non-profit organization in over 22 countries established to accelerate African women entrepreneurs’ participation in the Power and Energy sector. Last year we took four women entrepreneurs from Kenya for a B2B mission to Istanbul Turkey to expose them to the various technologies available and well as introduce them to companies looking for agents or projects to fund so they are in a better position to take advantage of business opportunities available.

1. Have you encountered any instances where your perspective as a woman brought unique insights or solutions to a project or problem? Yes.  my soft skills coupled with my technical background helps me with communicating value to my clients.
2. What strategies have you employed to navigate and overcome gender biases in the property development sector? Not being naïve about the gender biases helps me in thinking through things, being aware of them and Taking them into account as I prepare whether its for a meeting or something else helps me be focused on the objectives and goals and avoid the gender biases side shows.  Getting input and support from my male colleagues helps me greatly as well
3. As a female leader, what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment? Mentorship of younger women who work with me. Encouraging them to aim higher and giving them opportunities to do so. When hiring if there are two candidates same score one female one male I will go with the female most times. Also ensuring for a similar position and qualifications, the women are paid same pay scale as their male counterparts.
4. How do you envision the role of women evolving in the property development industry in the coming years? I see more women getting interested and taking up opportunities in the property developments at all levels.
5. Can you highlight a project or collaboration where diversity and inclusion were integral to its success? Gender Inclusivity – The Lake Turkana Wind Power Project had to incorporate initiatives to promote gender inclusivity for its success. This involved creating opportunities for women to participate in the workforce, not only in traditional roles but also in technical and managerial positions.
6. What advice would you offer to young women entering the property development field to navigate and thrive in a male-dominated industry? It’s a challenging and yet very rewarding space. One requires confidence, perseverance, constant education and knowledge accusation; and networking is a must!
7. On International Women’s Day, what actionable steps can organizations like KPDA take to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women within the sector? Help promote women owned business by giving them speaking slots and show casing their businesses

I am Sarah Mbwaya, an engineer, board member and award-winning renewable energy entrepreneur from Kenya. As an energy specialist, every day I am on the frontline fighting to save the earth and its resources by creating scalable & sustainable energy solutions for various dynamic daily needs.

Being an Electrical & Electronics Engineer and Solar Energy Expert, I have learnt from my extensive experience spanning over two decades that our energy choices and decisions impact Earth’s natural systems in ways we may not be aware of. This understanding formed an impetus for investing in the renewable energy sector and led me to found Aspectus Limited, a successful, Women-owned & women-led Solar Energy Company availing clean energy solutions across Africa.

I am an objective thinker who has been able to play an oversight role, strategize and plan, and also nose dive into details. I have over 30 years’ leadership and senior management experience drawn from fields such as energy, information communication technology, Real Estate, business management (oversight & development), financial & resource management, project management (planning & execution), consultancy, stakeholder management and entrepreneurial practice. The organizations I worked with in the past benefitted from my strong business management, administrative, organizational & technical skills which have led to their institutional development and strengthening. My transformational approach brought increased efficiencies by improving business structures and streamlining operational processes, reducing costs, and increasing revenues by up to 40%. As an entrepreneur, I have founded three successful businesses.

I have served on boards of directors for organizations in Listed, public & private sectors and NGOs. Currently I am an Independent Non-Executive Director of Limuru Tea PLC. I am also the country chair of African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP), an initiative to increase women’s participation in the power and energy sector. I am also a member of Friends of Conservation (FOC) board of management. In the past I have served on the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and Numerical Machining Complex

I am passionate about Sustainable energy, conservation, leadership, governance, Risk and risk management, mentoring women & youth. I have undertaken speaking engagements on entrepreneurship in gender forums convened by Heinrich Böll Stiftung Kenya at Alliance Francaise; at the University of Nairobi, Department of physics 2nd annual career day on “sharpening skills in line with the big four agenda” and very recently took part in gender and energy Webinar organized by the Energy Society of Kenya and numerous others organized by African Women in Energy and Power (AWEaP) locally and internationally (2023  NextGen & Solar Storage exhibition in Istanbul Turkey) . I am a member of Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), Business Network International (BNI), Women on Boards Network (WOBN), Women in Sustainable Energy Entrepreneurs (WISEe) and Women in Business (WIB)

I hold an M.B.A. in Strategic Management, B.Sc. (Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Solar technician Licenses from the Energy & Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and an ACCA Diploma in Financial management. I am also an accredited system engineer (ASE)

Stella Muraguri – Managing Partner, MMW Advocates LLP

As the founder of one of the most prominent female-led law firms in the country, Stella has carved a path of excellence and distinction, breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions along the way. With over a decade of experience in the property development sector, her journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance and purpose.

Armed with a deep understanding of legal intricacies and a commitment to social responsibility, Stella has championed initiatives that elevate women’s voices and promote equity and inclusion within the industry. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary story of Stella—a story of courage and the relentless pursuit of progress and equality.

Questions:

1. This year’s theme is “Inspiring Inclusion”. As a career woman, what does that mean to you?

“Inspiring Inclusion” is about building a world where every woman, regardless of her race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic, can thrive and contribute her talents fully without fear of discrimination or exclusion. As a career woman, I play a crucial role in driving this change and creating a more equitable and inclusive future for all by addressing the unique challenges that women face in the workplace, whether it’s breaking through glass ceilings, navigating stereotypes, or balancing work and family responsibilities.

1. How has being a woman influenced your experience in the property development industry?

Being a male dominated industry, I have faced discrimination and missed out on opportunities because I am a woman. However, this has propelled me into advocating for equal opportunities and championing for policies and inclusive practices that promote equal opportunities for women in the industry. i.e. women in boards. This in turn has led to a spike in the number of women taking up leadership roles within the space or joining organizations that are geared towards the real estate sector growth.

1. Can you share a specific example where your gender presented challenges or barriers in your career journey?

I notice subtle or overt biases from colleagues and superiors who may hold stereotypical views about women’s capabilities in leadership roles. Comments like “You’re too emotional or too feminine for this position” or “Let’s have one of the guys handle this” undermine your authority and contributions. This has consequently made most women miss out on opportunities to display their unique talents and capabilities. Women can still excel at the workplace while being soft and feminine.

1. In what ways have you championed inclusivity and diversity within your professional sphere?

Pioneering one the largest female led law firms within the legal space.

Actively supporting initiatives that increase the visibility and representation of women in various aspects of the workplace. This includes encouraging women to take on speaking engagements, panel discussions, and leadership roles at conferences, industry events, and internal meetings. By highlighting women’s expertise, achievements, and contributions, we help combat gender stereotypes and bias while inspiring other women to pursue leadership positions and visibility opportunities.

Consequently, fostering leadership qualities by assigning high-profile projects and inclusion in decision making processes allowing their voices and perspectives to be heard and valued at all levels of the organization.

1. Have you encountered any instances where your perspective as a woman brought unique insights or solutions to a project or problem?

In a product design project, my understanding of women’s experiences and preferences led to the creation of products that better meet their needs. For instance, when developing software for case management or workplace productivity, my insight into factors like user interface design, accessibility features, and workflow management from a female perspective resulted in more inclusive and user-friendly designs. It could be from as simple as the user-interface outlook and presentation i.e., colors or beautiful pop-up notifications to as complicated as work-life balance where for example “single-moms” are allowed to clock out earlier.

Approaching leadership from a nurturing angle rather than the “combative & conventional aggressiveness” which has consequently led to optimum results of a team.

Awareness of potential barriers or challenges women may encounter, can inform the development of features or functionalities aimed at promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within the workplace.

1. What strategies have you employed to navigate and overcome gender biases in the property development sector?

Initiating female led conversations and holding webinars in a bid to sensitize the public on the intricacies of property management and development and equally organizing legal aids where we offer “free” legal advice to the public. This demonstrates that women are thought leaders in the property sector.

This shifts the mindset from the perception that property matters are only a men’s’ preserve. 

1. As a female leader, what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive work environment?

As a leader and team member, my interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence may contribute to fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment. My ability to empathize, communicate effectively, and build relationships can help create a culture of trust and inclusion where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives.

I have equally pioneered mandatory team bonding activities where we get to have interactions beyond the legal work. i.e. hiking

 

1. How do you envision the role of women evolving in the property development industry in the coming years?

Women embodying “mother nature” are the champions of sustainability and social responsibility. This will be implemented by being the catalyst of ecofriendly construction, energy efficiency, and ethical investing acts to develop a green and sustainable real estate business by championing the use of sustainable materials and resources thereby reducing the environmental degradation.

1. Can you highlight a project or collaboration where diversity and inclusion were integral to its success?

Project: Corporate Event/ Annual company Event

Key Elements of Diversity & Inclusion:

• Diverse speaker Line-up to include a wide range of perspectives
• Inclusive program design to allow Networking
• Proper representation in Marketing and Promotion
• Accessibility considerations e.g., wheelchair ramps, elevators etc.
• Diverse vendor and supplier selection

1. What advice would you offer to young women entering the property development field to navigate and thrive in a male-dominated industry?

Be bold, work on the skill, take on leadership and decision making positions within the industry.

Seek out mentorship from the female industry players who have successfully navigated the space.

1. On International Women’s Day, what actionable steps can organizations like KPDA take to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women within the sector?

Be mindful of our own biases and actively challenge them. Question stereotypes and assumptions, and strive to treat everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their background or identity.

Intentionally create opportunities and spaces for women to interact and grow within the real estate space i.e. events, workshops, holidays