The Property Council’s 500 Women in Property program for 2023 has launched, with the program set to accelerate more women into leadership positions in the property industry through sponsorship of high-potential talent.
The program is entering its eighth year this year and the response to the program has been overwhelming, with over 3,000 women participating in the program nationally since its launch in 2016. The program has been supported by The GPT Group as the National Program Sponsor and MinterEllison as the Host Sponsor over the last eight years.
The launch of the program aligns with the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023. The global campaign theme for this year is #EmbraceEquity.
The campaign aims to encourage important conversations on ‘Why equal opportunities aren’t enough and Why equal isn’t always fair. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action’.
Property Australia sat down with a few of the 500 Women in Property participants to find out what they are looking forward to in their involvement in the program and steps the industry can take to match this year’s IWD theme and #EmbraceEquity.
Bethany D’Vauz, Development Graduate – Residential Communities WA, Stockland
I feel excited to have been selected to participate in the 500 Women in Property program. As a young female who has recently entered the property industry, I have so much to learn, and the best learning is from your peers. Being surrounded by professionals within the industry will allow me to further my career journey and open opportunities in my learning. I look forward to meeting and being connected to likeminded women within the programme and gaining invaluable experience from my sponsor.
Equity begins at the beginning of the cycle, and the young adults of today are the best people to help create change. By raising awareness and encouraging participation within the property industry in schools and universities, will ensure a strong workforce in the years to come when we will be needing it the most. Through advocation and of young adults, especially women, within the property industry and showcasing the vast opportunities which are available to them, would be one step the property industry could take further.
Siena Reynolds, Program Coordinator, Cushman & Wakefield
I am thrilled about the opportunity to participate in the 500 Women in Property program as it offers valuable networking opportunities, professional development, and inspiration to help me grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to connecting with like-minded women in the industry, gaining new skills and knowledge, and being inspired by successful women in the program. I am excited about the possibilities that this program can bring and am eager to make the most out of this opportunity.
As someone who supports and advocates for gender equity, I believe that one crucial step the Australian property industry can take to follow this year’s International Women’s Day theme and #EmbraceEquity is to close the gender pay gap. We must work towards achieving equal pay for equal work and provide transparent remuneration policies. It’s also essential to eliminate any unconscious bias during the hiring process and ensure that both men and women have equal opportunities for career advancement and professional development. Through these efforts, we can create a more equitable and inclusive property industry for all genders.
Stacey Wairau, Facilities Manager, GPT
I’m excited to participate in this year’s program and to connect with successful women in the property industry. I am determined to make the most of this opportunity to expand my professional development and grow my career.
One step the Australian property industry can take to #EmbraceEquity is to embrace the differences, recognise individuality and support career development so individuals can reach their full potential.
Taleen Karapetian, Senior Associate, MinterEllison
I am excited to be a participant in the 500 Women in Property program and looking forward to expanding my network and learn from the experiences of others in the industry by accessing the mentorship and networking opportunities that the program provides. My hope is to connect with women from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, while contributing to a program that values and promotes diversity and inclusiveness.
To understand this year’s International Women’s Day theme of #EmbraceEquity it is vital to understand the difference between equality and equity. Recognising that everyone has not had the same starting point is key and therefore targeted opportunities instead of equal opportunities may be more appropriate. The Australian property industry can follow this year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity by providing targeted training and development tailored to the specific needs of different groups of employees. For example, implicit bias can have a significant impact on hiring and hence diversity in the workplace. By providing training on implicit bias or inclusive leadership, this can help make people in decision making positions aware of their own biases and in turn help women and other underrepresented individuals overcome one of the barriers to success.
Rebecca Lamont, Construction Manager, Lendlease
There are so many women in the industry worthy of being selected in 500 WIP, I feel honoured to be a participant in the 2023 program. My current network is primarily focused on the network of women within the construction industry, I am looking forward to further developing my network and understanding of the property industry.
As an individual. Sponsor a female or any person of a minority, even if it just for a day, recognise their efforts openly and celebrate them on social media for the fantastic job they are doing.
As a company, to drive closing the pay gap, disclose wage data.
As an industry, start recognising when unconscious bias occurs and call each other out on it. It is near impossible to recognise your own bias, but much easier to recognise others.
Emily Coombs, Property Manager, Asset Management Services, Knight Frank
It is a great opportunity to network with others in the industry, as well as it being an opportunity for personal development that I’m looking forward to.
I think one thing that the industry needs to focus on is having more women in senior roles. This is certainly improving, but I think it is something the property industry is certainly lacking.