Creating an inclusive real estate industry: assessing the enrolment, experiences and career prospects of female students in an African higher education institution

Abstract

PurposeWorkspace equality and inclusivity remain critical in promoting diversity and dynamism across all sectors of the economy. Despite recent progress, gender disparities persist in the real estate sector, including education and training programmes. This study employs a quantitative research design to assess gender diversity of real estate education at Federal Polytechnic Ede in Nigeria. The study focuses on female students' enrolment in real estate programmes, their experiences, perceptions and any potential effect on real estate career prospects.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 138 out of all the 150 female students currently enrolled in the real estate programmes. Descriptive statistics and a one-sample t-test were utilised for the data analysis.FindingsThe findings indicate an increased number of females enrolled in real estate programmes. Female students face a lack of access to mentorship opportunities and perceive gender discrimination and bias in the real estate industry. However, these industry factors would not deter female students' decision to pursue a career in the real estate industry after graduation.Originality/valueThis study to the best knowledge of the researchers is the first to investigate gender dimensions of real estate programmes in the context of African higher education institutions; thereby contributing to the body of knowledge on gender diversity in this field.