International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, commercial, cultural and political achievements of women and a call-to-action to progress gender parity. This year’s campaign theme #PressforProgress targets gender parity, with an emphasis on new gender equivalence initiatives.
The theme offers an important memento that we are over two centuries away from gender parity according to the World Economic Forum's 2017 Global Gender Gap Report.
As part of our group strategic focus for 2020, Donald Cant Watts Corke is committed to continually intensifying gender diversity and female representation in leadership groups. Safeguarding a balanced level of gender diversity, we have strong female representation on our Group Board of Directors as well as an array of experienced female professionals at all levels of our organisation.
Most recently we welcomed Leanne Beveridge onto the Board as a Non-Executive Director, replacing Guy Sigston who served for five years. A highly qualified and experienced Human Resources Director, Leanne has an extensive strategic and operational executive leadership background in the Infrastructure Services, FMCG, Energy and Agribusiness sectors. Leanne has not only become a leader in her field of expertise, but a role model for the generations of our young Cadet’s following her.
Every year on this day, we are reminded of how proud we are to be a silver partner with NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), and our common drive in working towards an equitable industry where women fully participate; whether it be hosting one of their many committee meetings, guiding their strategic development activities or as a member of their Awards for Excellence judging panel.
We recognise the value in celebrating women’s contribution to society and in our own industry.
Belinda Nash, an Associate of our VIC Project Management team, contributes to NAWIC by chairing the Strategy Committee for Victoria. “International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all women working in the construction industry, and to recognise those who have supported us in achieving our successes.”
“We should be striving to achieve gender balance across the industry and recognise the efforts of employers who have made a conscious effort of increasing female representation in the industry.
“The growing network of women in construction and the professional services environment in which we work, is a fantastic platform for everyone to exchange ideas and solutions. We are lucky to have organisations such as NAWIC and the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS/YQS) whose mission is to empower and support women and young people alike to reach their full potential.”
We invite you in your own way, to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 with us.