A while back on social media, I shared one of the best questions I’ve ever been asked whilst talking about what I do for a living.
“So if you’ve three kids, who does all the work?”
It absolutely floored me. I mean come on… it’s 2023.
Now when I say it was one of the ‘best’ questions I’ve been asked, I don’t mean that it was particularly insightful, interesting, or even appropriate – but in that moment I certainly saw clarity around everything I do, my values, the ethos of our business and even my beliefs as a mum.
Like lots of working mums, I do my best, and I don’t do all of it on my own.
Working in the industry I do, which is very much male-dominated, sadly I’m used to the odd remark or ‘joke’ with a jab.
You must be the interior designer. Are you here to make the lunches? What’s your husband think about you working so much? The list goes on.
In this field, we face biases and stereotypes that men don’t, it’s as simple as that. Sometimes that means we’re not taken as seriously and the skills and knowledge we have doesn’t get the same attention.
And sometimes yes, it gets me down, but on other days like today, on International Women’s Day, as I’m taking a look at social media or what strong, inspiring women have to say in the press, it reminds me I’m not alone.
Today is an opportunity for us all to celebrate the amazing women that stand up to these attitudes and behaviours. To thank the women that aren’t taking no for an answer. This year, the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Embrace Equity’ – a chance to “imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.”
Over the years I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to how women in this industry are often treated. And while things are certainly better than I’m sure they were a few short decades ago, we still have quite a way to go. But today is a day for us all to celebrate the unbelievable contributions that women around the world make to their families, communities, workplaces, and to society.
Since the pandemic, at NI Property Girl, we’re receiving more enquiries from women than ever – in fact, women make up the majority of our clientele. That’s more women taking the leap, believing in themselves, and breaking into property investment than we’ve ever seen.
So whilst we might still be on a journey, at least we’re on it together, supporting one another, and celebrating how far we’ve come.
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