Workplace flexibility the new gender equity challenge
Flexibility in the workplace critical to increasing diversity and to building a strong and robust economy, was the key message at Property Council WA’s Annual Women in Property Signature lunch last week.
The event was held last Thursday 12th of April at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. As usual, the event was a huge success, this time with over 530 attendees.
Speaking at the lunch, Transport, Planning and Lands Minister Rita Saffioti reflected on her journey into politics.
She said she was inspired by her parents and her father in particular who taught her the importance of equity and fairness in the political realm.
She said one of her ambitions as Planning Minister and the deliverer of the State’s largest infrastructure project, METRONET, is to “create safe places and active places for people and communities, where women can engage positively”.
Wesfarmers Non-Executive Director Diane Smith-Gander also spoke, making an argument for gender equality.
“The gap between working mothers and working fathers hasn’t shrunk – and as a result of that we’ve ended up with very unequal opportunity to work,” she said.
“Women are far more likely to be in part-time roles rather than full-time and casual roles”.
“If we want to continue to grow our economy and enjoy a strong standard of living we are going to have to find ways to get more people into the economy.”
As well as promoting the role of women in the workplace, the lunch also raised funds for Mission Australia’s redevelopment of their Meekatharra Women’s Refuge playground.
The raffle’s fundraising target of $15,000 was completely surpassed after a very generous donation from TRG Properties of $20,000 – making the total amount raised $35,000.
The lunch was part of the Property Council’s continued commitment to gender diversity. Diversity is critical to the ongoing success of the property industry.