Introducing our London Property Alliance (CPA & WPA) Diversifying Real Estate: Gender guidebook, Sue Brown (Managing Director – Real Estate Balance) comments on efforts to promote gender diversity within our industry.
When I reflect on the progress our industry has made on gender diversity, I feel both hopeful but also mindful that our work is far from over. Women make up 51% of our population and the proportion of women aged between 16 and 64 who are holding down jobs is fast approaching parity with men. Surely we should not have to keep banging the drum? But here we are. The sad truth is the World Economic Forum has predicted that, globally, most of us are unlikely to see gender parity in our lifetimes. The UK has a better record than most countries, but we have nothing to be complacent about. Women are still underrepresented in the real estate sector, especially at senior levels, but there is absolutely no reason why that should continue to be the case if we set about changing old habits. That is where guides like this come in. Lifelong learning is best business practice and it is never a bad idea to take a long hard look at ‘how we do things round here’ and ask, ‘can we do it better?’
The evidence base for the business benefits of diversity is growing all the time. Diverse organisations are more profitable, they attract and retain the best talent and, increasingly, they are winning more business as clients seek to work with partners who better reflect the values of the society we live in. If that does not make gender diversity a business imperative, I don’t know what does.
So, even if you think you have nailed diversity, the chances are there is more you can learn and I urge you to read this guide, share it with colleagues and help to change the real estate sector for the better.
Sue Brown (Managing Director – Real Estate Balance)
Read our Gender Diversity Guide
