How Godrej Properties is redefining real estate with CREW

Real estate and construction have long been bastions of male dominance. Despite women playing pivotal roles as decision-makers in property purchases, their presence in the workforce remains staggeringly low, hovering around 10-12 per cent. Recognising this disparity, Godrej Properties (GPL), one of India’s leading real-estate developers, has taken bold steps to address gender imbalance. Enter CREW—Collective of Real Estate Women—a pioneering initiative designed to empower women professionals in the sector.

Now in its third edition, CREW has evolved from a local programme into a national movement, fostering inclusivity and challenging stereotypes in real estate, construction, and allied fields. Following successful launches in Mumbai and Pune, the initiative is set to debut in Delhi, reinforcing GPL’s commitment to transforming an industry notorious for its gender gaps.

“The sector is predominantly male, and women often find themselves as the sole female presence in their teams,” explains Megha Goel, chief human resources officer, Godrej Properties. “This isolation can discourage women from entering or staying in the field. CREW was conceived as a platform to connect, inspire, and support women, enabling them to envision long-term careers in real estate.”

Breaking barriers with CREW

CREW’s journey began with an extensive survey and one-on-one conversations with over 500 women in the real-estate sector. These insights highlighted challenges such as limited career progression, lack of mentorship, and the need for better work-life balance. Based on this groundwork, GPL crafted a multi-faceted programme focusing on mentorship, skill development, career advancement, and transitional support.

“The sector is predominantly male, and women often find themselves as the sole female presence in their teams. This isolation can discourage women from entering or staying in the field. CREW was conceived as a platform to connect, inspire, and support women, enabling them to envision long-term careers in real estate.”

Megha Goel, chief human resources officer, Godrej Properties

The results have been transformative. Women now make up 35 per cent of GPL’s workforce, a significant milestone in an industry where female representation has historically been confined to roles like HR or administration. GPL is actively promoting women into technical and leadership positions, including site-based roles traditionally dominated by men.

Through the internal CREW initiative, women employees have access to leadership training, skill-building workshops, and mental wellness programmes. Notable among these is the ‘Leading Self’ programme, which helps participants identify strengths, align career goals with personal aspirations, and build the confidence to lead.

To ensure work-life balance, GPL has introduced innovative policies such as extended paternity leave—a rarity in the sector—and caregiver leave. These measures foster shared responsibilities at home, enabling women to focus on career growth without compromising family commitments.

Cultivating leadership

One of CREW’s standout features is its emphasis on grooming women for leadership. GPL’s ‘Talent War Room’ identifies high-performing women and accelerates their career trajectories with larger roles and personalised development plans. “We are committed to ensuring that at least 25 per cent of our leadership positions are held by women,” says Goel.

This commitment extends to equitable hiring practices. The company employs gender-neutral recruitment strategies, including masked CVs, to eliminate unconscious bias. Performance evaluations and promotions are monitored to ensure fairness, while coaching and feedback sessions provide additional support.

Beyond internal initiatives, CREW has become a national platform for women in real estate. Events in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi offer networking opportunities and forums for sharing insights. A pilot programme in Pune aims to open GPL’s training resources to women outside the organisation, bridging skill gaps and encouraging more women to join the industry.

Inclusive workplaces and model sites

GPL’s efforts extend to creating inclusive environments on construction sites, historically perceived as challenging for women. The company has introduced ‘model sites’ with a target of 40 per cent female representation. These sites also include members of the LGBTQ+ community and persons with disabilities, setting a new standard for diversity and performance in the industry.
To retain talent, GPL tracks metrics such as retention rates, leadership promotions, and overall representation. Diversity goals are tied to senior leaders’ performance metrics, ensuring accountability at the highest levels.

Looking ahead

While CREW has already made significant strides, GPL’s vision extends far beyond. “Our goal is to not only bring more women into the sector but to ensure they thrive,” says Goel. “Through mentorship, networking, and continuous learning opportunities, we aim to create an environment where women feel empowered to lead and make lasting contributions.”

CREW’s impact is profound, challenging entrenched norms and proving that inclusivity is not merely an ideal but a business imperative. As the initiative continues to expand, it holds the promise of transforming the real-estate workforce—not just at Godrej Properties but across India.

Through CREW, GPL is sending a powerful message: when companies commit to breaking stereotypes and investing in talent, they unlock potential that drives innovation and shapes industries for the better.