In a fusion of two traditionally male-dominated industries, the rise of women in PropTech is more than a trend – it’s a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and innovative future. PropTech, the convergence of property and technology, is revolutionising how we build, manage, and interact with spaces. As this sector expands, it becomes evident that diversity is not merely a checkbox; it’s a vital driver of industry advancement.

This article spotlights three trailblazing women at the forefront of South Africa’s PropTech landscape: Azola Mabinza, a talented programmer shaping the future of technology; Charlene Kanny, a project manager committed to redefining digital transformation; and Jess Moyer, an experienced executive at the forefront of data science and analytics, who is also Director: Strategy & Research, at Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL.

Azola embarked on her PropTech journey fuelled by a “passion for real estate.” With a background in computer science within the property management sector, she transitioned into an IT programmer role. Today, she is a a programmer at b# - an industry leading, all-encompassing, tech-led real estate solution made to integrate and optimise real estate efforts and maximise real estate performance – where she focuses on integrating technology into commercial real estate to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Charlene attributes her success to a “continuous curiosity and solutions-driven approach.” As a project manager in the IT space at Broll, her experience in dynamic technology landscapes is underpinned by an “unwavering belief that solutions can be found even in the most complex situations with a willing, positive growth mindset.”

Jess’s unconventional path into PropTech spans mechanical engineering, property research, an MBA, and data science. She leverages her diverse expertise to deliver data-driven solutions to clients’ business challenges. Her journey underscores the importance of varied perspectives, especially in an industry with far-reaching implications for communities.

Despite their diverse routes into PropTech, all three women agree on the importance of diversity. Azola emphasizes that women bring a variety of perspectives and ideas, crucial for innovation and social responsibility. Charlene concurs, stating, “A more diverse workforce in PropTech leads to well-rounded and effective decision-making processes.” Jess adds that women’s ability to interpret trends from a broader societal perspective ensures that data-driven insights and technology solutions are inclusive and comprehensive.

Charlene continues, “Women make up a significant portion of real estate consumers and decision-makers, so having more women in PropTech can help better understand user needs.” Jess points out that this is particularly important in applying machine learning and AI, saying, “If we train our models on historical data which reflects past unfair norms, we will perpetuate these biases into the future. Women bring empathy and diverse perspectives, which can help ensure that datasets are well-balanced and free from bias.”

Each woman draws inspiration from different figures who have broken barriers in their fields. Azola admires Tsholofelo Ramokoka, a social entrepreneur who founded AddressDox.

Charlene looks up to Meirav Oren, CEO of Versatile, for pioneering safer and more efficient property construction solutions. Meanwhile, Jess finds more left-field inspiration in Mary Kingsley, a Victorian-era explorer who defied societal norms to travel alone through West Africa. "Her courage and independence made her an original leader for future female adventurers and a role model for anyone looking to forge a new path," Jess remarks.

Navigating the challenges of being a woman in PropTech requires resilience and determination. Azola has overcome gender biases by building a strong skill set and supportive network. She advocates for quota systems and diverse teams, stating, “Quotas are critical for ensuring women’s representation.”

Jess confirms that the value of quotas lies in their role as targets and their ability to raise awareness. “The really important result of quotas is that they encourage and initiate processes underneath, which drive systematic change,” she adds. “This is where real progress is created.” Charlene stresses the benefits of increasing diversity and supporting more women in PropTech, saying that “we can build a more vibrant and innovative industry.”

For young women aspiring to enter the PropTech field, the advice from these leaders is clear: be curious, build strong networks, and specialise in areas that interest you. Jess advises young women to balance generalist and specialist knowledge, encouraging them to "pick an area of your own interest which becomes your specialist subject – it will open doors for you." Azola underscores staying updated with trends and technologies, taking risks, and pursuing leadership roles. "Building a strong network and finding mentors can provide valuable guidance and support," she adds, while Charlene advises, “Be passionate about the problem you want to solve and plan for success – you could be the game changer!”

All three women are optimistic about the future of PropTech, envisioning it as a field that will continue to evolve and enhance inclusivity and sustainability. Charlene points to the power of the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), which has given our smart cities senses to see, hear, and feel their own rhythms and needs. Azola further highlights AI-driven property management and blockchain for transparent transactions as examples of the pivotal role that technology will play in enhancing efficiency, inclusivity and sustainability.

These women are not only leaders in their respective fields but also champions of a more inclusive and innovative PropTech industry. The diversity of their respective journeys reminds us that when women succeed, everyone benefits – a perspective summed up beautifully by Azola, “When one woman makes a place for herself, she paves the way for countless others to follow.”