Stakeholders have expressed concern over the significant gender gap in the real estate sector, highlighting the need for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in the industry.
They spoke at a recent business book launch in Lagos, titled “Chics Doing Real Estate,” authored by Mojisola Afolayan and themed “Bold Moves, Lasting Wealth: Empowering Women to Own, Invest, and Thrive in Real Estate.”
A former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Femi Pedro, said women are lagging behind in the real estate space.
He said, “Culturally, it is assumed that women should not own assets, and some men are so backward in their thinking that they prefer to own the assets but not their wives. Men should encourage their wives to invest. Women are lagging behind. Looking at the total properties owned in Lagos, I do not think women own 10 percent.
“Start small, start setting aside little by little what you have, time goes so fast. Before you know it, five years is gone, then you would sit back to see what you did five years ago, have you spent the money wastefully or invested it wisely?”
In a similar vein, a real estate investor, Omowunmi Idowu, said a lot of women dwelt in comparison, rather than collaboration.
She said, “Women are lagging in the real estate sector. It is not a function of how much you earn, but the real function is in the amount of discipline that you have to set aside something consistently so that it can multiply. You can start from anywhere; it is not until you have millions and billions. You can start now. That cheap money that comes easily to you, that is the money you need to put in; your aggregation of that money is what would get you real estate.
“Women should stop comparing themselves with each other, we are not the same, and as women, if you do not see in yourself what God has put in you, you will not be able to achieve anything.”
Meanwhile, the Founder of the real estate investment club, Chics Doing Real Estate, Mojisola Afolayan, asserted that women in the real estate sector, whether as investors, professionals, or developers, often face systemic, financial, and societal barriers that hinder their participation and growth.
She continued, “One of the most pressing challenges is access to capital. Many women struggle with the financial entry point required for property investment, especially when trying to do it alone without the benefit of collaborative structures or supportive financial tools. Additionally, there’s a persistent lack of representation and visibility.
“The sector is still largely male-dominated, and women often feel isolated or unsupported, particularly when entering the field for the first time. There are fewer mentorship and networking opportunities tailored specifically to women, which makes it more difficult for them to access credible information, build confidence, or navigate the complexities of the industry.
“Societal expectations and traditional gender roles also play a part. Women are often expected to prioritise family or caregiving roles over personal financial growth, which can delay or derail their investment journeys. Even those who are financially ready may still face skepticism, bias, or lack of trust when negotiating or leading deals in the sector.”
Afolayan noted that in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, women face significant barriers to property ownership and real estate investment.
“In Lagos, where land and housing costs are high, these challenges are even more pronounced. According to the World Bank, only 10.75 per cent of Nigerian women own housing (solely or jointly), compared to 40.5 per cent of men. This gap is largely due to limited access to financing, lack of legal protection, and socio-cultural norms.
“The government can help and support by expanding access to affordable financing, strengthening property rights for women, investing in education and awareness, and supporting women-led housing initiatives. With focused policy and inclusive financial systems, the government can unlock a powerful wave of women-led growth in Nigeria’s real estate sector, especially in thriving urban centers like Lagos,” she stated.
Speaking about what her book aims to achieve, she said the book was born from an urgent need to bridge the gender gap in the sector and real estate opportunities.
“The Chic’s Doing Real Estate book was born from a deep and urgent need to bridge the gap between women, particularly young professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring homeowners, and accessible real estate investment opportunities. For too long, the narrative around property ownership has excluded or discouraged women, often positioning real estate as a pursuit reserved for the wealthy, married, or already successful. This book disrupts that mindset.
“Through Chic’s Doing Real Estate, we are solving the problem of limited access to real estate education, capital, and collaborative investment platforms for women and everyday individuals. We’re demystifying the investment process and showing that you don’t have to wait until you have it all figured out or all the money saved before you can own property.
“We’re making it clear that real estate is not just for the elites, it’s for you, and now. The book also introduces our broader vision through the Relive Housing Cooperative, a powerful vehicle that allows individuals to save consistently and invest collectively in real estate projects. It complements our mission to build wealth in the community, especially for women who are ready to break barriers, own property, and build lasting legacies,” she said.
