An Abuja-based realtor, Ikwu Ezinne Rosemary, has called on Nigerian women to take a more active role in the real estate sector, urging them to see property investment as a pathway to financial independence and long-term wealth creation.
Rosemary made the call in an interview with EstateWire247, where she spoke on her career journey, the challenges women face in the industry and the need for increased female participation in real estate leadership.
She said her passion for real estate was driven by the understanding that the industry goes beyond selling land and houses.
“Real estate is more than just selling land or houses; it is about helping people make decisions that can change their financial future,” Rosemary said.
According to her, her experience in the sector has been defined by continuous learning, growth and overcoming challenges.
“Real estate has taught me how to communicate with different kinds of people, negotiate, build trust and remain professional even when things don’t go as planned,” she said.
Rosemary noted that success in real estate requires consistency, knowledge and a willingness to continuously improve.
Women must build competence
Speaking about challenges confronting women in the sector, she identified the struggle to be taken seriously, particularly among young professionals, as one of the major obstacles.
She said some people still assume that women may lack the confidence or knowledge required to negotiate serious property transactions.
But Rosemary said she has responded by building her competence rather than allowing such perceptions to discourage her.
“I focus on becoming knowledgeable about my products, understanding documentation, knowing my locations and being confident when speaking with clients. I believe competence speaks louder than trying to prove a point,” she said.
She also identified the pressure of balancing career growth with societal expectations as another challenge facing women.
“For me, the answer has been discipline. I have learned to take my career seriously, set boundaries and continuously remind myself that I deserve a seat at the table,” she added.
Call for more women in leadership
Rosemary also called for greater representation of women in leadership positions across the real estate industry.
She said women should be given opportunities to lead teams, manage projects, negotiate major transactions and participate in key decision-making processes.
“I believe the first step is to stop seeing women only as people who can support the business and start seeing them as people who can lead the business,” she said.
She further encouraged real estate companies to invest in mentorship, training and leadership development for women.
However, she said women must also take responsibility for positioning themselves for leadership by building networks, gaining knowledge and becoming more visible.
‘The bigger goal should be ownership’
The realtor urged women to view real estate as an asset-building strategy rather than merely a career.
“Women should begin to see real estate as an asset building strategy, not just a profession,” Rosemary said.
She explained that prospective investors do not necessarily need millions of naira to begin, advising women to start with what they can afford and gradually build their portfolios.
She noted that strategic land investments can appreciate as infrastructure and development expand around a location.
Rosemary also identified property sales, management, marketing, consultancy, development and investment as areas through which women can earn from the sector.
“The bigger goal should be ownership. I always believe that there is a difference between making money from real estate and using real estate to build wealth. The second is what creates long-term financial security,” she said.
‘Don’t be intimidated by competition’
Addressing young women seeking to enter the real estate industry, Rosemary urged them not to wait until they had everything figured out before starting.
“Don’t wait until you have everything figured out before you start,” she advised.
She encouraged aspiring realtors to understand their market, study property documentation, master negotiation and develop strong customer service skills.
“There will always be someone with more money, more followers or more experience. Your advantage is the value you bring and the trust you build,” she said.
Rosemary concluded by urging young realtors to focus on building a reputation for integrity and professionalism.
“Don’t just aim to become a realtor who sells properties, aim to become a professional people trust with their investment decisions. That reputation can take you much further than a single transaction,” she said.
