Navigating Discrimination in a Male-Dominated Field: Tips for Aspiring C-Suite Leaders in Real Estate and the Value of Diversity in the Industry
A truth that is unspoken – “Disadvantages are often disguised differentiators” This could not be more apt than, for Women who are part of infrastructure and real estate industry. Being a woman is viewed as a disadvantage, in fact it is a differentiator! Sure, it is a male-dominated industry. But it is not a fortress that is impregnable! As we speak, women are increasingly shaping the future of this industry. You may find yourself walking into a room where you are the only woman or on sites where most people don’t take you seriously because of your gender. However, this is the beginning of your story, not the end.
People often don’t realize that infrastructure, real estate are not just about materials and contracts. While that’s the body of the work, its soul lies in creating. It is the canvas of the artist who is the developer or the project proponent. This is where vision and scale are combined to bring lives and cities to life. This isn’t limited just by engineering or architecture. It involves deep understanding, an artistic flair and precision. This is where we come in! We are good at listening, thinking and creating. We endeavor to bring balance and build a thoughtful pathway of trust and systems. And that’s what this industry truly needs. It needs this kind of steady and sturdy leadership.
Gender bias, whether obvious or subtle, is part of all human existence, and this industry is not any different. But get one thing straight – if you have come to a pity party, you are never winning. This is a powerful path, and we can do this with a kind of grace that only women can offer. Remember, if there is resistance, that means you are stirring the pot of growth.
So, how do you rise and make a place for yourself in this industry? First, be absolutely and incredibly good at what you do. Work on your craft and master it. This means working on several pillars of any infrastructure project – project finance, land policy, nuances of regulatory frameworks, negotiations and many more . Know your subject inside out. Silence the room with your skill.
Choose your allies meticulously. Infrastructure, like any other competitive industry, is cutthroat. But if you look carefully, you will find mentors and allies who are nothing short of gold. They value integrity and efficiency. Look for mentors who extend a challenge and peers who are supportive. Build your team with them.
Most women play a gendered role in life, and hence we shy away from ambition. On the contrary , be unapologetically ambitious. Go in to make your space in the C-suite not only with the goal of the title, but also because you can cause a stir in the culture, a little shift that will go a long way. Businesses, especially in infrastructure , need diversity in leadership, and not just as a favour or token to women. It is an imperative !
The representation of women in this industry is abysmally low in comparison to other industries. Gender diversity will bring in creation of ecosystem which will build collaborative teams, nurture them into empathetic co-workers, and inculcate long-term focus in them. This adds tremendous strategic value to the business.
While you are honing your skills, working hard and playing to your strengths, stay in touch with reality. There will be power plays. You will be handed prejudice disguised as “feedback.” You will have offhand comments coming your way or will be interrupted by people in the room? Don’t let any of this get to you. Let your performance take up so much room that there is no room left for prejudice. Build resilience, trust your records. When the time comes, your wins will tell your story.
The path is tough. But I assure you, it is deeply gratifying. You know why? Your victories aren’t yours alone. If you look carefully, each one is a visible crack in the ceiling. Every project you lead, every site you supervise, every deal you close, you inspire. It all adds up.
If you are a woman reading this, hesitantly dreaming of a career in Real Estate and Infrastructure, don’t merely enter the field. Come to shape it. Start by wanting to lead. And lead you will !
About the Author
Minal Srinivasan, Managing Director of Kesari Infrabuild Pvt. Ltd. (KIPL), is a visionary entrepreneur and sustainability advocate who has transformed KIPL into one of India’s top 10 environmental consultancy firms. Under her leadership, the company has grown into a trusted name in environmental compliance, water and wastewater treatment, and green infrastructure, aligning business success with environmental conservation.
