International Women's Day: The women making a name for themselves in Canberra's property industry

It’s no secret that men dominate the property industry, but many women in Canberra are making a name for themselves and paving the way for other women to follow.

This year’s International Women’s Day is dedicated to creating an inclusive world with the theme, “choose to challenge”. 

A challenged world is an alert world, and this year, Allhomes asked four women in the property sector what this day means to them and what advice they could give to young women.

Arabella Rohde, Canberra’s Property Council of Australia president

With 20 years’ experience in the property and construction industry, it’s no surprise Arabella Rohde was appointed president of Canberra’s Property Council of Australia recently – the first female president in the ACT.

“I’ve overcome a number of obstacles [to be here] and found the confidence to back myself up with my ideas and ability to deliver amazing projects that make a difference,” Ms Rohde said.

To women hoping to make a name for themselves in the property industry, Ms Rohde encouraged them to have active relationships with mentors and sponsors. 

“Network and build connections … Find a mentor who helps coach you through a stage in your career and [someone who] promotes self-awareness,” she said.

“Be open to following new opportunities. Don’t become too fixated on a predefined path or needing to achieve things by certain ‘milestones’. Be flexible and learn to pivot … [and] learn to feel familiar with being uncomfortable.”

Hannah Gill, REIACT president

Hannah Gill is a decorated woman in the Canberra real estate industry. Aside from heading up REIACT, Ms Gill also recently launched her own business, The Property Collective, and has been recognised as the ACT Telstra Business Woman of the Year for 2020 (Medium & Large Business).

Speaking about International Women’s Day, Ms Gill believes that it’s necessary to “raise awareness about equality and ensure that the conversation continues and progress is made until such time equality is truly achieved”.

This year’s theme resonated with Ms Gill, who said positive and meaningful change could happen every day.

“Focus on what you can influence and the positive changes you can create in your world – be it your workplace, family or community. I truly believe the behaviour we walk past is the behaviour we choose to accept. If you see something, say something. We are all responsible for making a difference.”

Kylie Dennis, Independent Property Group general manager

Having worked in male-dominated industries for most of her life, Independent Property Group’s new general manager Kylie Dennis is well-versed in how to make her voice count.

With 30 years of experience in the media industry under her belt, including as Nine Entertainment and Fairfax Media’s national sales director, Ms Dennis’ advice to young women is: “Listen a lot, learn quickly and back yourself.”

“The property industry, in particular, is a smart choice for young women looking for interesting and rewarding careers,” she said.

“There are so many options across sales, property management, strata, project marketing and facilities management. Added to that, it comes down to the greatest equaliser there is – performance. In property, if you perform well, you reap the rewards.”

Ms Dennis encouraged young women to be brave and take more risks.

“Spend less time worrying about what other people think of you,” she said.

Marie-Louise Corkhill, Karinya House executive director   

Karinya House is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation in the ACT that provides support and accommodation for vulnerable pregnant women and mothers with newborns.

Having dedicated the past 23 years to Karinya House, executive director Marie-Louise Corkhill was named ACT Woman of the Year in 2017 for her work with the organisation.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work every day with some of the most incredibly brave women who continue to inspire me as they work to create a positive future for themselves and their children,” she said.

Ms Corkhill believes this day provides an opportunity to stop, reflect and take action on the “significant structural barriers that girls and women face every day”.

“Our society is not structured in a way that provides everyone with equitable opportunities. In my work, I see this every day from the significant barriers that women face in accessing safe and affordable housing … to the unacceptable attitudes and behaviours that are directed towards women,” she said.

“Together, we can create a different world for all people.”