• Raine & Horne celebrates International Women’s Day 8 March 2023
• Several members of the 140-year-old real estate Superbrand that supports gender diversity present their thoughts on the purpose and importance of IWD.
• Raine & Horne is taking crucial steps to attract women to real estate. For example, around 70% of the firm’s Corporate Office staff are female.

Wednesday, March 8, commemorates the 112th year of International Women’s Day (IWD), and worldwide super brand Raine & Horne is celebrating the milestone day across its network. 

The annual event celebrated globally recognises women’s achievements and creates awareness of the need for gender diversity. This year, the theme is ‘#EmbraceEquity, which acknowledges that work is still needed to hasten gender equality. 

Mindy Powell-Hodges, Head of Network, Raine & Horne Group, “We salute all women on International Women’s Day, especially the thousands of women in our network who list, sell, manage, and lease properties.

“We also acknowledge our support and administrative colleagues in our Group’s 300-strong office network internationally.”

Raine & Horne is taking crucial steps to attract women to real estate, including within its Corporate team, which is around 70% female.

 “At the management level, it is even more tilted towards women, with female managers outnumbering males,” Ms Powell-Hodges said. 

“That said, there is no quota system in place. We select the right person for the job. Right now, women are the best candidates for many of our Corporate office roles.” 

The business of real estate is perfect for women 

According to Ms Powell-Hodges owning a real estate office is a wonderful business opportunity for women because “they can set their own work/life parametres”.

“They can work as many hours and make as much money as they want. Obviously, the more time you invest in the business, the more you get out of it.

“However, owning a real estate office makes plenty of sense for women with small children or those looking for a career change after the youngsters advance to high school. 

“The beauty of real estate is that regardless of gender, culture or experience, you can be successful.”

Ms Powell added that by partnering with an international group such as Raine & Horne, new business owners, regardless of gender, can benefit from 140 years of real estate expertise and excellence. 

“When you join Raine & Horne, you partner with a global group that will be by your side every step. From the beginning, your dedicated marketing, IT, and training support will be a constant point of contact for you, along with your dedicated Network Manager.

“We back our Principals at every stage by investing in the tech and tools they need.” 

Flexible work practices at Raine & Horne Gawler and Munno Para

A mother of two Ms Gwen Levesque, Co-Principal Raine & Horne Gawler and Munno Para, south of Adelaide, agrees that real estate combined with the support of Raine & Horne is the perfect small business mix for a working mother. 

“Real estate allows women with families to be flexible about where they work if not the hours we work. In this business, we are often required to be available almost around the clock,” she said.

“We have many mothers working in our two offices and where necessary, if children need to come to work for whatever reason, we have absolutely no problems working around that.”

Ms Levesque and her team recently won five Raine & Horne SA Awards for 2022, including Outstanding Property Management Office and Outstanding Business Development Manager. 

Ms Levesque, whose team is almost entirely female, says of IWD, “Women are amazing and shouldn’t only be recognised one day a year.”

IWD means courage, resilience and determination

Leading Sydney agent Rebecca Mitchell Sales Agent, Raine & Horne Lower North Shore says that International Women’s Day honours the courage, resilience and determination of those women who have fought hard for equity.

 “It’s a shame that we still need a day to mark this, but it’s essential we do until we no longer need it,” Ms Mitchell added. 

“In real estate, being a female is a massive advantage. My whole team is female, and I believe the empathy and sensitivity we bring to every transaction whether it’s a first homebuyer, downsizer or dealing with a deceased estate it helps produce winning results. 

“There’s still a school of thought that male agents get the best price, and that’s not true. Our team has shared core values of trust, ethics and making a difference in someone’s life not to mention we are also highly competitive. 

“In combination, our values are helping buyers and owners achieve their property goals.”

Ms Mitchell concludes, “Making a difference in somebody’s life whether it’s through price or just helping them through a difficult and stressful time in their life, is why I believe real estate is a fulfilling career choice for many female agents.”