Women, can’t live with……………

Peter OBrien cropped

An article by Peter O'Brien (Victoria).

International Women's Day was on March 8th, 2016. It is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  Was this day acknowledged at your workplace?    You know, it’s not too late!

I would like to dedicate this article as my appreciation to all the women that I have worked with who have been responsible for teaching me and guiding me to where I am today.

Property Management is one career that we see where most positions are predominantly filled by females. This is across senior management level right through to employees working in administration and supporting roles. Real Estate Sales departments are still very much in line with many other industries with the number of women employed in this area being far less than males.

I am not here to debate which gender is better than the other or who is most suited to what role. My aim today is to remind us that when we are looking to employ a new staff member it is important to consider applicants of both genders.  Ask yourself would your company have a predetermine decision already made as to which gender they will employee for an advertised CEO position?   Or whilst we are discussing equality, would your company hire a male receptionist?

Our industry should lead the way for other industries and be pro-active in raising the female labour force participation rate to match that of men. Real Estate Companies in all states and territories must ensure all their talent processes are equitable, fair and that they further their gender parity and diversity objectives.

As employees and individuals we can seek out perspectives that are different from that of the caveman era and instead prioritize building diverse teams and engage ourselves in mixed networks that help build trusted relationships amongst ourselves. By moving from talk to purposeful action - and with men and women joining forces - we can collectively help women advance equal to their numbers and realize the limitless potential they offer the real estate industry and economies all over the world.

So, I would like acknowledge International Women’s Day, with this message from me!

Women! Without you, our lives would be without care, compassion, love, feelings, control, empowerment, coordination, education, desires, wants, goals, determination, strength, contentment, happiness, joy, laughter, tears, emotions, frustration, thankfulness, gratitude, appreciation, manners, cleanliness, hygiene, work ethic, empathy, goodness, honesty, purity, leadership, personality, immunity, passion, organisation, assistance, help, trust, beauty, children, - a beginning and an end........