My Ambition Is To Inspire More Women In The North — Hafsat

A Katsina State-born real estate executive excelling in a male-dominated sector, Hafsat Yusuf, has said that her ambition was to inspire more Nigerian women, especially those in the North.

Amid the global celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, under the theme ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” many voices advocating for increased investment in women which has resonated strongly and recognising women’s pivotal roles in shaping families, workplaces, and communities, the call for investment in women underscores their crucial contribution to economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.

In recent years, women have increasingly demonstrated remarkable leadership across diverse industries worldwide, often surpassing their male counterparts in roles traditionally dominated by men.

Despite historical gender disparities, recent trends indicate a narrowing gap between men and women in the workplace, with women making significant strides in sectors such as engineering, technology, medicine, and notably, real estate.

Hafsat Yusuf, from Northern Nigeria, stands as a testament to resilience and excellence in the face of adversity. In a region where women often struggle to attain leadership positions, Hafsat has emerged as a guiding light, excelling in the male-dominated realm of real estate.

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With expertise spanning business development, sales, marketing, and strategic planning, she has carved a niche for herself as a results-driven professional.

Addressing the challenges encountered by women in the workplace, Hafsat emphasised the importance of integrity, resilience, and unwavering passion for excellence. Her leadership as the Executive Director of the Abuja office for the Sujimoto Group, Africa’s foremost luxury real estate company, underscored her commitment to driving revenue growth and fostering profitable client relationships.

Despite the odds, Hafsat has achieved significant milestones in business development, revenue growth, and high-net-worth client management. Her academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Law degree and ongoing pursuit of a Master’s in Business Administration, complement her practical expertise in the field.

Reflecting on the future of real estate in Nigeria and Africa, Hafsat envisions progress and development, particularly in addressing housing deficits and facilitating access to homeownership opportunities through innovative credit and mortgage schemes.

While her professional achievements speak volumes, Hafsat remains deeply invested in societal progress, advocating for youth empowerment, particularly for young women.

Recognising the pivotal role of private sector entities in driving change, she champions the implementation of policies that promote skill development and economic inclusion for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.

Beyond boardrooms and business ventures, Hafsat’s passion transcends into community engagement and mentorship. She envisions a future where every girl child has access to quality education and equitable personal and professional growth opportunities. Her vision for a more responsive and inclusive society underscores her commitment to effecting positive change beyond the corporate realms.

Speaking on the need for the government to enhance opportunities for youth, especially young women in the North and across Nigeria, Hafsat posited: “It is not a responsibility that should be left to the government alone. I hold the opinion that private sector players, corporate organizations, and institutions should have deliberate policy frameworks around youth and support for training and exposing young people to relevant skills. Nigeria is a youth-dominated country, and we have to see the need to invest in our young people, especially women and future mothers, to increase national productivity and remain globally competitive.”

Hafsat has a passion for people and the community. She said, “I find joy in supporting young people and helping communities in ways that I can best assist them in solving critical issues. I am particularly eager to see more girl children get quality education and for them to grow up excelling in any chosen career. I am eager to see transformation and to see people become well-cared-for, and society becoming more responsive to the needs of citizens.”

In the narrative of women’s empowerment and societal progress, Hafsat Yusuf’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and unwavering advocacy for gender equality. As she continues to break barriers and inspire generations, her journey exemplifies the limitless potential of women to drive collective growth and accelerate progress toward a more equitable and sustainable future.