International Women’s Day 2025 at Together: #AccelerateAction.

Did you know that, at the current rate of progress, it will take 134 years to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum?

That’s roughly five generations of women who could face systemic barriers and be denied opportunities, both personally and professionally.

It’s shocking statistics like this that makes #AccelerateAction, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, such a relevant and inspiring message, as we all take steps to accelerate global gender equality.

To celebrate and champion International Women’s Day, we invited Christina Dejonge, a mum who turned her side hustle into a successful property business, to chat with Chris Baguley, Group Channel Development Director at Together, in front of our colleagues.

In the 45-minute talk, Christina discussed the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, what female empowerment means to her, and what needs to be done to ensure future generations can experience true equality – both in the property industry and the wider world.

Thanks for joining us, Christina. Can you tell us about you and your career so far?

“Thanks for inviting me – it’s so important to have events like this.

So, a little about me. I’m a 46 year young mum of five amazing children. I’ve been an entrepreneur since 2001, running an import / export fashion line. You could say I’m a bit of a social misfit, and so being my own boss suits my personality.

Parenting has definitely offered some necessary skills that have helped me in business as well – grit, prepping and planning, multi-tasking, work ethic and empathy. That last one has helped a lot in my current career as a landlord.

Since 2020, I’ve built up a £1.8 million property portfolio across the North West by buying houses at auction."

What barriers have you faced in your career because of gender?

“I’ve only actually been in an auction room once, and it was dominated by white males, who were all vastly more experienced than me in that environment. It was intimidating at that time, but my husband and I did buy our first buy to let property there, partly on instinct and partly by accident. I could count on one hand the number of women that were in that room.

Since then, I’ve used online auctions to build my portfolio. Not only does it fit in around my lifestyle as a busy mum and business owner, but it’s also a much more accessible and less intimidating way to bid. It’s not surprising that more women are using it as a way to buy property.

I think it also goes to show that technology can help us break down barriers and accelerate action towards gender equity and equality.”

What can be done to help future generations of women?

“I would say that gender equality needs to start at a government level. I feel that we need to have the legislation in place in terms of aspects of equality – such as equal pay, maternity and paternity time.

It’s also hugely important that there’s access to skilling up programmes within businesses and institutions that can help reduce the barriers that stop people - both men and women - from getting new roles.

And not just relating to promotions and senior positions; it’s also about making roles that have traditionally been gender-dominated available and achievable for all.

For young women, being able to see role models in their desired industry is the most inspiring thing. Whether that’s women in politics, or at the head of their own business, to female sports stars and coaches getting the recognition they deserve; seeing it being done inspires confidence that you can do it too.”

What advice would you give to women who want to work in a male-dominated industry?

“Be yourself! If you've decided to go into this arena, recognise the skills you have and deliver them with confidence.

But, do your research and surround yourself with people you trust. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been able to rely on great recommendations about trades people and others in the industry; it’s helped with developing the relationships I’ve needed as I’ve grown my portfolio.

I’d also throw the question back on the industries as well though. They can make themselves more accessible for women. Together are a great example of that, as a majority of the team I’ve spoken to have been strong, knowledgeable and supportive women; it instantly helps to break down barriers.”

Holly Woodside-Coventry, our Communities Impact Officer and Lead of our Women at Together group, told us, “At Together, we don’t think it should take until 2158 for men and women to be treated equally in society and the work place. Playing our part in creating an inclusive, diverse, and fair business and industry is central to everything we do throughout the year.

It’s amazing to see so many colleagues at an event like this. Not only is it a great opportunity to learn about some of the challenges facing women in the property industry, it’s also a time where we can share our own experiences and discuss what we can do personally and collectively to promote gender equality.”

We’d like to thank Christina for sharing her experiences with Chris and our Together colleagues, and we’re immensely proud that we’ve been able to support her aspirations.

If you’d like to read more about Christina’s story or find out what we’ve done for International Women’s Day in previous years, check out the blogs below.