How property is pressing for progress
As we gear up for International Women’s Day tomorrow, the Property Council launches its much-anticipated 0 Women in Property program. So, how can we can harness the IWD theme to #pressforprogress in property?
While the World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Gender Gap Report found that gender parity is over 200 years away, collective action is driving change in the property industry.
The Property Male Champions of Change is working to expand the number of women in senior leadership positions, remove roadblocks and spread the message of gender equality with suppliers.
The Property Council’s Women in Property and state-based diversity committees are hosting female mentoring programs and professional development opportunities.
And in 2017, the Property Council reached its target of 40 per cent female representation across all committees, working groups and forums.
The 0 Women in Property program, launching on Thursday 8 March in conjunction with International Women’s Day, encourages established leaders to identify and sponsor emerging female talent in their organisations or business spheres.
Tania Lloyd, an assistant marketing manager with JLL, is one of this year’s crop of participants, and she looks forward to being part of a program that is helping the property industry to “break down stereotypes and create a space for women to excel and to achieve equal professionalism, equal opportunity and equal contribution to the industry”.
Zhenya Birch, an assistant property manager with Dexus, agrees. She says the property industry has a “mandate” to “press for progress on gender diversity not only in our own workforces, but to inspire and encourage conversations among our customers”.
“Big things start small and seeing 100 Women in Property expand to 0 Women in Property recognises the demand from women in our industry for avenues where they can champion change within their organisation and across the broader industry.”
Jane Kelly, a director with Urbis, says the property industry has made “significant progress” to address gender imbalance in recent years.
“The momentum the 0 Women in Property program has gained over a short time reflects the industry’s willingness to facilitate more diverse leadership.
“It gives everyone involved the chance to collaborate and learn – whether it’s about developing in the industry, being an effective mentor or expanding upon your professional network.”
Kelly’s colleague Renee Young, an associate director with Urbis, says networking is one area where the industry can press for progress.
“The 0 Women in Property program provides an opportunity for women in the industry to network and connect with each other, forging strong relationships and assisting both the sponsors and the participants to #pressforprogress.”
By pressing for progress on gender parity, organisations and individuals become better at harnessing the skills and talents of other groups of people, such as LGBTIQ people and First Nations people, says Charlotte Stratton, The GPT Group’s head of leasing for its office division.
“Programs like 0 Women in Property help foster this inclusive and supportive environment. I really believe everyone thrives in inclusive workplaces. Diversity is good for people, and it’s good for business.”
Find out more about the 0 Women in Property program. The 2018 participants and sponsors will be revealed tomorrow.