What does International Women's Day mean for women in Canberra property?

It’s no surprise that the real estate industry is a sector led by a large proportion of men but the tide is slowly turning, with females making their mark in the industry.

This year’s International Women’s Day is dedicated to creating a more gender-equal world with the theme, “an equal world is an enabled world”.

To mark the occasion this Sunday, Allhomes asked eight women in the property sector what this day meant to them and what advice they had for young women.

Belinda Chamberlain, Blackshaw managing principal

Having recently finished a 500-kilometre charity bike ride for Hands Across the Water in Thailand, Belinda Chamberlain is hoping to live life by example. As principal for Blackshaw, Chamberlain believes International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge the contribution women have made to the workforce.

“Don’t diminish another woman’s shine in the journey to your own goals. There is enough space in this world for us all to succeed so there is no need to put others down while pulling ourselves up.”

Nikki Horner, Hayman Partners agent

Nikki Horner is an Australian Defence Force veteran and if she’s not at work, she’s raising awareness of veteran suicide and mental health issues, regularly promoting the ADF Overwatch group which is run by veterans for veterans. Horner believes International Women’s Day is about celebrating women regardless of how tiny or big their achievements are.

“Being a woman makes you no different from anyone around you. Your direction comes down to your choices, choose to work hard, choose to enjoy your life and most importantly always choose to be kind.”

Christine Shaw, Christine Shaw Properties director

With more than 11 years of property under her belt, Christine Shaw is as generous as they come, donating 10 per cent of her business’s profit to Hands Across Canberra. Shaw notes that International Women’s Day is a day to “take stock of how much is changing and how much more there is to do”.

“Nothing is a blockage. Just believe in yourself, always follow your intuition, stay true to your values, contribute to the community, and help the women around you.”

Emma Baker, InStyle principal

When she’s not at auctions and listing houses, Emma Baker is completing an Australian sign language course with hopes to become an interpreter and an agent for the deaf community. Baker believes International Women’s Day is about celebrating women, their achievements and their power.

“Empower and build other females up, take time to acknowledge and support each other … and never let your age or gender determine your power.”

Louise Harget,  Belle Property co-principal

Louise Harget is not only a real estate agent but she also one of very few female auctioneers in Canberra. According to Harget, International Women’s Day “is a reminder that it hasn’t always been so easy for women in the workplace”, adding that it is a day to be grateful to those who “stood up for the rights of women”.

“Do what you love and what makes you smile, genuinely smile. Appreciate all the moments also, remembering that hard hits only make us stronger and more resilient.”

Margaret Reynolds, Civium agent

Before real estate, Margaret Reynolds was a teacher for 24 years, educating hundreds of children during that time. Since entering the property sector, she’s been both an agent and state manager and even owned her own agency. Reynolds says International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate all women.

“Do the right thing, even though we don’t have the time sometimes … there will always be a return, and help others who are less fortunate.”

Samantha Morrissey, Hive Property director

Samantha Morrissey was eight and a half months pregnant when she and husband Josh opened the doors of Hive Property. Since then, she has been hitting the real estate industry running. Morrissey says International Women’s Day is a reminder to support and encourage women.

“Keep your heels, head and standards high. Never forget how wildly capable you are. You can truly have anything you want if you set your mind to it.”

Hannah Gill, Independent Property Management director

Having worked at Independent for 12 years, Hannah Gill has a drive for positive change. Besides heading up Independent, Gill enjoys aerial landscape photography and believes International Women’s Day is a responsibility for all women to empower, encourage and reflect.

“There is more opportunity now then there has ever been to make a difference, so dream big. Stand up for what you believe in and remain true to your intentions.”