Over the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the property industry is joining efforts to drive change and help end violence against women.
The annual 16 Days campaign runs from 25 November, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day.
On 9 December, the Property Council and the Champions of Change Coalition will be hosting a complimentary “Tools Down” event to build an understanding of the impact of domestic and family violence in the workplace, the support available for employees and take part in a conversation about gender equality and respect. The event will be raising funds for Full Stop Australia.
Campbell Hanan, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mirvac Group, will participate in the event as a panellist and is part of the Property Champions of Change, a collective of 29 influential property leaders committed to advancing gender equality in the industry.
Mr Hanan said that the property sector has made strides towards diversity, but that cross-industry collaboration is required to overcome its historically male-dominated nature.
“As a leader in the property industry, I believe it’s crucial to raise awareness of gender-based violence especially during the 16 Days of Activism,” Mr Hanan said.
“We have a responsibility to our colleagues, customers and communities. As leaders, we set the tone for inclusive cultures, and it is our role to challenge harmful norms.
“Recently we launched our Respectful Workplace Behaviours policy, reinforcing Mirvac’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
“We are also designing a new series of interactive training to support our people to be active bystanders, and how they can speak up when they witness sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, hostile workplace environments or victimisation. In addition to being the right thing to do, and ensuring we comply with Respect@work legislation, we know that this leads to positive outcomes for our businesses and the industry more widely.”
Stockland CEO Investment Management, Kylie O’Connor, also a panellist for the event and a Property Champions of Change Group member, said bringing awareness to gender-based violence and taking decisive action to combat it is an important part of the work the Champions of Change leaders do.
“The property industry plays a critical role in shaping environments that promote equality, respect, and safety. As Champions of Change leaders, we work to address gender-based violence and gender inequality and set a standard for workplaces that prioritise everyday respect,” she said.
“We know that gender equality is challenged in areas like equal and inclusive workforce participation, the number of women in leadership roles, the gender pay gap, and creating workplaces where all our people feel safe and respected.
“Gender inequality intersects with other forms of discrimination, too. Sometimes little things said or done in the moment can entrench stereotypes regarding identity and threaten a person’s sense of belonging and inclusion. They are frequently invisible and often accepted as part of regular workplace interaction.
“There is a real opportunity to drive meaningful change. By addressing the underlying drivers of inequality we can work together to create long-term cultural change.
“A key opportunity is to increase the number of women in leadership roles by doubling down on the ‘tough spots’ that are the primary drivers for the gender pay gap within the industry, improve succession planning, and work to remove the barriers that inhibit the attraction, retention and promotion of women.
Organisations across the country, led by the Property Champions of Change, will come together on 10 December to light up buildings across Australia in orange in a display of solidarity to raise awareness of the critical issue of gender-based violence in Australia.
“Mirvac is participating in this Coalition-wide collective effort, lighting up our buildings and assets in orange in support of UN Women Australia’s SAFE. EVERYWHERE. ALWAYS campaign,” Mr Hanan said.
“As we light up our cities in orange, we’re sending a powerful message of our ongoing commitment to eliminating gender-based violence. It will encourage dialogue about gender equality and respect in our communities and workplaces.”
Ms O’Connor said: “Lighting up our cities orange on 10 December sends a powerful and united message of hope, solidarity, and commitment to ending gender-based violence, aligned with the theme of the UN Women Australia’s campaign “Safe. Everywhere. Always”.
“The colour orange symbolises a brighter, safer future free from violence, and by illuminating our cities, we aim to raise awareness and inspire action on this critical issue.”
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.