A Growing Industry, A New Opportunity
At a robust & powering growth rate of 20% India’s construction industry, is today one of the solid pillars that greatly supports the economy. With its rough and tumble, this and most of its allied fields have traditionally been dominated by men when it came to employment and related activity. That said, and given the sheer size of the industry, and its growth that encompasses multiple industries and fields, it holds holds immense potential for women to break barriers and redefine professional landscapes.
Recognising this, Niranjan Hiranandani, National President of the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), recently advocated for increased female participation in construction at a joint event with Mahi. The momentum was equally palpable at the Mahi Chairperson Appointment Ceremony at the Sheraton Grande Hotel, where Mrs Smita Patil was elected Chairperson of Mahi, a NAREDCO initiative to empower women in real estate. Prominent dignitaries, including municipal leaders, academics, and industry veterans graced the occasion, reinforcing it’s the importance of the subject.
NAREDCO Mahi: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
Mahi, an initiative under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, is a national platform for women entrepreneurs in real estate that aims to equip women with tools and training to succeed in a highly competitive industry.
New Chairperson Smita Patil, put forth her vision of increasing women’s participation in construction, addressing workplace challenges, and advancing the cause of environmentally sustainable housing. It aligned perfectly with NAREDCO’s larger vision of ensuring affordable housing for all, as championed by PM Modi.
Key Personalities in Attendance: Voices of Change
The Mahi Chairperson Appointment Ceremony featured a distinguished gathering. Shekhar Singh, Commissioner of Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, emphasised institutional reforms for gender inclusivity while calling for dedicated avenues for women professionals resonated with the event’s theme.
Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar, Vice Chancellor Symbiosis University, spoke of education as a tool for empowering women, while Apekshita Tipse, General Manager of Cosmos Bank, highlighted the role of accessible financial support for women entrepreneurs. Celebrated actor Dev Gill acknowledged the broader societal impact of women’s participation, adding a cultural dimension to the discussions.
Outgoing Chairperson Ananta Raghvanshi expressed pride in the platform’s progress, passing the baton to Smita Patil with optimism for the future. Bharat Agarwal, President of NAREDCO Pune, reinforced the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives like Mahi.
A Sustainable Vision for the Future
The industry represents not only economic growth but also social responsibility. Mahi’s initiatives aims to address the dual challenges of gender disparity and environmental sustainability. Mrs Smita Patil’s agenda includes creating eco-friendly housing solutions and improving conditions for female construction workers, thus contributing to a progressive and inclusive future.
Conclusion
India’s construction industry stands at a pivotal juncture, with gender inclusivity and sustainability becoming integral to its growth narrative. NAREDCO Mahi’s efforts, led by visionary leaders like Smita Patil and supported by industry stalwarts, exemplify the transformative potential of empowering women in real estate. As the sector expands, such initiatives promise a brighter, more equitable future for India’s realty landscape.
