I’ve been around real estate for as long as I can remember. My parents, Anthony and Sylvia, started TOOP+TOOP in 1985, which meant open inspections, auctions, and property talk were a constant in our household. Back then, the industry still had the reputation of being a “boys’ club.” In fact, if you look back to the 1950s, only around 15% of real estate agents in Australia were women. Most of those worked behind the scenes—in support roles—rather than leading from the front.

A Changing Landscape

Fast-forward a few decades, and it’s remarkable how much has shifted. According to the Real Estate Institute of Australia, 50% of registered real estate agents are now women. Throughout my 13 years in a leadership role at TOOP+TOOP, I’ve watched this evolution up close. Today, 71% of our team are women—a figure I’m especially proud of because it reflects the welcoming environment we’ve created, one that genuinely values diverse perspectives.

For us, it’s never been about ticking boxes or meeting quotas. Real estate is personal—and sometimes daunting—so it’s important that our clients feel comfortable with the people helping them. A diverse team, including women in client-facing roles, can bring empathy and reassurance at a time when emotions and stakes run high. Over the years, many buyers and sellers have shared with me that having a female agent or a husband-and-wife team in their home, or helping them buy a home, felt more supportive and comfortable. It makes me think back to how challenging it must have been for those who didn’t have such options in an era when there was far less diversity in the industry.

The Power of Diverse Voices

When I reflect on why this matters, I think about how the industry used to feel intimidating for so many people—particularly women. Now, we’re seeing a more balanced environment where empathy, collaboration, and a willingness to listen are core strengths. Clients frequently tell me they feel more comfortable discussing everything from finances to family concerns, and I believe that comfort level comes from the growing diversity within real estate.

Reasons to Celebrate

This International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on how far we’ve come in real estate. What used to be a world with very few female faces in leadership has now evolved into a space where women feel empowered to take the lead, champion new ideas, and build meaningful client relationships. It’s a testament to what’s possible when businesses make room for everyone’s voices.

Keeping Momentum Going

Of course, we know there’s still more to achieve. The World Economic Forum points out that at the current pace, full global gender parity may not arrive until 2158—a reminder of why this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” matters. While I’m incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made in our industry, other industries are clearly still finding their footing. Rather than preaching about it, I like to think of real estate’s story as a real-life example: progress is absolutely possible when we embrace different perspectives, create inclusive workplaces, and actively encourage women to grow into leadership roles.

Looking Ahead

It’s been a privilege to see this evolution—from observing from the sidelines as a young girl in an incredibly male-dominated environment, to leading a diverse and inclusive team at TOOP+TOOP. More than ever, I believe a culture that values empathy, collaboration, and building genuine relationships can transform not just our workplaces but also how clients experience life-changing decisions like buying and selling a home.

So here’s to the women and men who’ve worked to make our industry what it is today—and to the idea that if we keep accelerating action together, we might just reach genuine equality sooner than we think.