Conference challenges women to lead without waiting for permission
Speakers at the 2026 WPN Thought Leadership Conference highlighted the gap between women’s qualifications and leadership representation, calling for bold action and systemic change.
Women in the property sector are being urged to step forward confidently and take leadership roles without waiting for permission, as industry leaders confront the persistent gap between women’s qualifications and their representation at the top.
This message was central to the 2026 WPN Thought Leadership Conference, hosted by Redefine Properties in partnership with the Women’s Property Network in Sandton on March 27.
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The event brought together professionals from across the built environment to discuss how innovation, inclusion, and leadership are shaping the future of the industry. Speakers highlighted that while women are increasingly visible in the workforce, they remain underrepresented in executive roles.
Keynote speaker Dr Sibongile Vilakazi said the issue is not a lack of talent or education. “Women make up around 65% of university graduates in South Africa, but as we move higher in leadership, representation declines dramatically.”
She described this as a leadership problem, rather than an education problem, pointing to structural barriers and social expectations that continue to limit women’s advancement.
Vilakazi also warned about the pressure women face once they reach leadership positions, noting that many leave roles due to exhaustion, lack of support, or workplace resistance.
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“We often see women rise into leadership only to step down a year or two later. The reasons are often deeper than what is publicly stated.”
The conference also explored how leadership in the property sector is evolving in response to technological change, climate risks, and shifting social expectations.
Opening the event, the head of ESG at Redefine Properties, Ursula Mpakanyane, emphasised that leadership today requires courage, accountability, and long-term thinking. “Innovation, inclusion, and transformation require deliberate action. Waiting for permission is no longer an option.”
A panel discussion featuring industry leaders examined how technology, governance, and sustainability are reshaping the built environment and creating new opportunities for women.
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