Women in property sector get a new platform

Local attorney and community crusader Marina Constas has launched an online platform to support and develop women in the property sector.

“Women are reportedly the largest group of property buyers in South Africa today. They are, however, underrepresented and largely unacknowledged and unheard in the property sphere,” said Constas.

“Women may be snapping up properties, but they are still being left out in the cold when it comes to holding leadership positions and having their voices heard in the property sector. As a specialist sectional title attorney and law firm director, I am often consulted about conflicts in which women involved in different aspects of sectional title, from tenants and owners to trustees, are ignored and even bullied in what is still a largely male-dominated industry,” she said.

Recognising the need for gender balance in the South African property industry, she has founded a platform that aims to connect, support and develop women involved in the growing and dynamic sectional title sector.

“Our vision is to unite women from all areas of sectional title in one vibrant, collaborative community. WiST (Women in Sectional Title) will enable women to network, learn, share knowledge, collaborate with and inspire each other, while gaining access to the resources they need to succeed in this field,”Constas said.

Outlining who should join the WiST community, she said it is aimed at managing agents, real estate agents, property developers, property investors, legal professionals, trustees, owners, students and those aspiring to a career in sectional title.

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“WiST will offer networking events, educational programmes, mentoring and advocacy for all women in sectional title,” she added.

“The platform will promote diversity, equality and professionalism in sectional title in South Africa. By creating awareness of sectional title and the opportunities therein and making it more accessible and appealing to young women, our goal is to build a skilled, representative sectional title community that is enriched by diversity and in which everyone can thrive and advance.”

The co-author of Demystifying Sectional Title, the first consumer-friendly South African book on sectional title property issues, Constas is well placed to inspire, motivate and educate women in the sector.In addition to presenting local and international workshops and seminars on sectional title matters, she is a regular contributor to magazine and newspaper columns and a sought-after guest on radio and television shows.

Constas has served on the board of the Community Schemes Ombud Service, is accredited with The London School of Mediation and is a Fellow of the Association of Arbitrators. She has been honoured by The Lyceum Club of Greek Women for Excellence in law.

Constas will serve on the WiST steering committee alongside four other successful and inspiring women involved in sectional title property.

Attorney and law firm director Sheena Scott is a qualified notary and conveyancer who is passionate about promoting gender equality. Law associate Lesedi Monamodi is a fierce campaigner in the fight against gender-based violence. Managing agent Annette Laing is the principal and co-founder of the Cape Town-based property consulting firm that bears her name. Serena De Freitas is a long-standing member of the National Association of Managing Agents KwaZulu-Natal Committee and the co-founder of a property management business and a financial services firm.

To find out more about Women in Sectional Title, including how you can get involved, visit https://womeninsectionaltitle.co.za/