As the world celebrates International Women's Day, we recognise the achievements and progress women have made in the pursuit of equality and equity in the property and finance industry - both previously male dominated industries.

About International Women’s Day

International Women's Day was created in 1911 by Soviet Russia, and later adopted globally in 1975. It is marked annually on 8th March.

This year’s theme focuses on the theme #EmbraceEquity with strong messaging around gender equity and the importance of this being an essential part of our daily lives and how Equal opportunities aren't enough.

Despite popular belief, equity and equality are not one and the same. Equality is ensuring everyone is offered the same opportunities regardless of race, gender, ability, etc. Equity however is about recognising individual circumstances and allocating resources and opportunities to suit their needs in order to give the best possible chance for an equal outcome. The International Women's Day website gives further information about the difference between equality and equity here.

In the UK one can find many virtual events such as the Empowered Women Film Festival, RSPCA International Women's Day: Embracing Equity Webinar and The University of Aberdeen International Women's Day Celebrations. Locally we have the Embrace Film Screening and Q&A, the Athena Network, East Berks and North Hants and International Women's Day at the Brushwood Suite.

It is great to see more and more initiatives with each annual event across the globe, some of which we have seen in our own industry. We explore just a few examples of the action being taken for women in property and finance.

Women in Architecture

Women in Architecture is a Committee which started in 2018 following the production of the documentary; She Draws: She Builds – with the aim to improve workplace equity and inclusion for female architects. The group’s 2023 Manifesto echoes the attainment of equity. It also seeks to give women a voice in an industry that largely erased historic women in architecture. It’s about breaking down barriers, holding the profession to account and eradicating discrimination and promoting equality.

Seasonal socials bring people together with likeminded individuals to share and discuss what is happening in the industry as well as have some good fun post-pandemic. Mentoring programmes allow professionals to share their knowledge in the area and the awards ceremonies celebrate success. See the full manifesto and calendar of events on the Women in Architecture website.

Women in Property

With some big national sponsors, Women in Property was created in order to “actively seek an industry that is balanced, diverse and inclusive, so we nurture girls aspiring to a career in the built environment sector, as well as supporting those in ‘mid-career’ and at board level.” (Women in Property 2023).

The organisation co-ordinates workshops, talks and events throughout the year to connect, inspire and educate members, as well as provide 24/7 access to the Women in Property App with its wealth of resources. More about Women in Property here.

Inspiring Women in Property Awards

Property Week have organised the Inspiring Women in Property Awards which takes place on 12th October 2023 and nominations opened last week. The award message is all about being inclusive and driving significant, positive change.

Property Week Editor Lem Bingley said: “Although significant progress has been made in recent years our industry still has an opportunity to move faster and push further. Let’s all come together to celebrate and support the people and organisations that are putting inclusivity, diversity, and equality at the centre of their ambitions.” (Bingley 2023)

Categories include EDI Champion of the Year, Gender Equality Initiative of the Year and Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative of the Year. See all categories on the Inspiring Women in Property Awards website.

Girls in Property Podcast

A small but growing local group formed the Girls in Property Podcast last year. This community is open to anyone, and they promote that no question is too small. With a weekly podcast being published and a retreat being planned later in the year, this promises to be a good resource for women in the business.

Founder Sophie Foote said: “Property has been a male-dominated field for a long time yet there are many women in this space, doing amazing things and we will be telling their stories. The pandemic has led to more and more female entrepreneurs becoming extremely successful in the property space. We will use our experiences and our guests to learn more about the property industry, concepts and support each other to develop.”

More about Girls in Property Podcast here.

Women in Finance Charter

The UK Government first published the Women in Finance Charter in 2016, and encourages firms to commit to gender balance across financial services. Companies must set targets and manage progress for gender diversity in senior management and meet internal targets set out in their promise.

Other initiatives for women in the financial sector include (but not limited to):

Women in Banking and Finance
Women in Finance Awards
Women in Finance Summit

Onyx CEO, Dan Richards said: “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to take stock of what we are doing and how we can help the cause in our own workplace. We are dedicated to ensuring our workforce is mindful of both equality and equity. We hire on the basis of merit and experience and will ensure all professional and personal needs are considered and met where possible. No one can be a passive bystander - awareness and action are more crucial than ever.”

Onyx Property Finance are experts in providing financial solutions for all types of projects from all walks of life. Speak to an expert today and get your project up and running before you know it: info@onyxmoney.co.uk.