Senator Michaelia Cash, Federal Minister for Women, has commended the property industry’s achievements in promoting great diversity and gender equality in the work place.
Speaking at the Property Council’s Women in Property Lunch in Perth, Senator Cash said the overwhelming evidence shows that more diversity and gender equality in work places leads to significant economic gains for companies and the wider economy.
“The Property Council has implemented a raft of initiatives in to support the advancement of women in the property industry, including the panel pledge, a mentoring program, and the Male Champions of Change and The 100 Women program,” WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.
“Although it is positive that the industry has been recognised by Senator Cash, the job is not done and together we need to take action in closing the gender gap. In WA we still only have 20% of senior positions, in the property industry, being held by women.
“Programs such as The 100 Women program, which was launched at the Minister’s Lunch, will help in this cause. The nationwide program will see sponsors assist participants grow their industry networks and gain visibility to enhance future opportunities,” Iacomella said.
“As an industry, we have taken pledges to increase the number of women on company boards, and that has filtered down to member companies embracing initiatives like our mentoring program to champion the next generation of female leaders.”
“Issues such as the gender pay gap and unconscious bias have plagued not just the property, but all industries for long enough. With the full support of the minister and the wider Government, the property industry will lead the way to implementing real and lasting change.”
Media contact: Lino Iacomella M: 0417 501 974 E: [email protected]