Onwards, Upwards and Outwards – Honouring the WestProp Women

As we continue celebrating women in the month of March, I am dedicating this article to the WestProp women and the amazing work they do on a daily basis.?

Women in business – A recipe for success

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, including women in all aspects of the industry is no longer a matter of diversity and inclusion, but a strategic imperative. Gone are the days when the boardrooms and executive positions were predominantly male-dominated. The world is waking up to the immense benefits of gender equality, and it is essential to recognize the pivotal role women play in driving business success.

First and foremost, including women in business brings fresh perspectives and alternative viewpoints to the table. Women possess unique experiences, insights, and intuition that can bring about innovative ideas and strategies. By having a diverse range of perspectives, organizations are better equipped to tackle the complex challenges of our time. Diverse teams are known to be more creative and innovative, resulting in enhanced problem-solving capabilities and a more competitive advantage in the market.

At WestProp, these diverse perspectives can be seen in our C-suite – the company’s leadership team. Out of eight members, five are women. This is a testament to how we value alternative viewpoints, inclusivity and diversity. This ultimately leads to the company’s growth and a culture of tolerance and working together.?

Another crucial aspect lies in the consumer market. Women represent an enormous consumer base, and their purchasing power cannot be underestimated. Companies that fail to include women in decision-making processes, risk ignoring the needs and preferences of a significant portion of their target audience. Including women in business ensures that products and services are designed to meet the requirements and preferences of both genders and can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Invest in women: Accelerate progress

Research has consistently shown that greater gender diversity in leadership positions leads to better financial performance. A study conducted by McKinsey & Company found that companies with the highest levels of gender diversity on their executive teams were 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability than companies with the lowest gender diversity. The study also suggested that gender diversity positively impacts decision-making, risk management, and talent retention, all of which are vital factors for business success.

A lot has been said about how WestProp Holdings has become a success story and little has been said about the women behind the success story. In line with this year’s theme, ”Invest in women: Accelerate progress”, the company’s vision in terms of employment is to experience a 50/50 balance between men and women and to accord the assignees respect and recognition that helps the company to achieve the one billion brick mark by 2050.

Gender equality is a fundamental aspect of an organization's social dimension. At WestProp, we embrace the ESG framework (Environment, Social and Governance), which helps us to ensure that the business prioritizes fair pay, treatment, diversity, and inclusion. Gender equality in business can include making diversity, equity, and inclusion mandatory to ensure equal and balanced representation of men and women. Embracing the ESG framework not only ensures a company's survival in a rapidly changing business landscape but also contributes to a more sustainable and equitable world.

Including women in business fosters a strong culture of equality and fairness. By promoting the advancement of talented women; organizations can eliminate biases and create an environment that rewards merit and performance, regardless of gender. This type of inclusive workplace culture attracts top talent and enhances employee engagement, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction. Companies that prioritise gender diversity are also more likely to cultivate a positive public image, attracting socially conscious customers and investors.

Moreover, including women in leadership positions serves as an inspiration and paves the way for future generations. When young girls see women as successful business leaders, it shatters the glass ceiling and motivates them to strive for their own career goals. By providing equal opportunities to women, businesses can contribute to the creation of a more equal society where talent and ability determine success rather than gender.

Homes and families are built by men and women. In our company, we believe in the joint effort between men and women hence our thrust to strike a balance in populating our employment structures,

To ensure the inclusion of women in business, companies should implement specific strategies and policies. Establishing diversity and inclusion initiatives, promoting mentorship programs for women, and implementing unbiased recruitment practices are a few ways to start. Transparent promotion criteria and pay equity also play a vital role in narrowing the gender gap and fostering an inclusive environment.

Conclusion

The importance of including women in business cannot be overstated. It brings diverse perspectives, drives innovation, and strengthens decision-making capabilities. Moreover, it positively impacts financial performance, cultivates an inclusive workplace culture, and serves as a catalyst for future generations. Embracing and empowering talented women not only makes good business sense but is also a fundamental step towards achieving true gender equality. I am confident that these amazing women at WestProp continue being role models for many women who want to pursue careers in the real estate sector.

Disclaimer: The articles presented on this platform are purely a reflection of personal subjective opinions. They are not to be regarded as expert advice but rather aim to share ideas and opinions. Readers must exercise their own judgement and discretion when interpreting the content provided. Any decisions or actions taken based on the information presented in these articles are solely the responsibility of the readers.