Illawarra women driving diversity
The drive to improve diversity in the property industry is gaining huge momentum and delivering long-lasting change.
One aspect of this is the 0 Women in Property program, a national Property Council initiative that launched this month that creates sponsoring and networking opportunities for up-and-coming women in the property industry.
Acknowledging that despite the gains made to date there is still more work to do, Jennifer Macquarie, the Deputy Chair of the Illawarra Committee of the Property Council, said the industry was firmly on the path to locking in diversity as a core operating principle.
“Property is now the biggest employing industry in Australia, including the Illawarra region, that means we have a serious responsibility and leadership role to play in delivering on diversity,” Ms Macquarie said.
“Over the last few years we, as an industry, have really increased our efforts. The Property Council has established a broad range of practical tools, resources and initiatives to promote diversity and these have been embraced by our members.
“I’m pleased that three women from the Illawarra will be involved in the program this year.
The women involved are Holly Howell, Marketing Manager, The GPT Group, Madeline Cross, Business Development Manager, The GPT Group and Mignon Kriegel, Property Accountant from NSW Ports.
The 100 Women in Property, first established in 2016 has in just two years grown to become 0 Women in Property in response to the surge in demand. The sponsorship initiative involves 0 of our emerging women leaders and another 0 sponsors committed to championing their participant.
Girls in Property that was piloted in NSW last year, in partnership with the Department of Education which was a resounding success. The program is currently building a national rollout to increase the awareness of the career opportunities in the property market before they make their senior elective choices.
“Diversity is increasingly accepted as a core principle, for staff, leaders and companies alike and the Property Council continues our commitment to supporting women in the property sector.” Said Ms Macquarie.