South: RICS Diversity Survey sums up views of young women
A new YouGov survey, commissioned by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), has summed up the views on sexism of young women. 41% of girls think their gender will have a negative effect on their career, and 36% spotlight the property and construction industry as the most sexist workplace in the UK; but 41% believe that having a female prime minister will help overcome gender inequality in the workplace.
Emma Catterall AssocRICS, associate director at Michael Parkes Chartered Surveyors, commented: “Theresa May, Nicola Sturgeon and Hillary Clinton are shining examples of world leaders who have conquered a male dominated profession. I am fortunate to be part of a team where two of the three strategic managers are female and I feel empowered by these women and excited to be part of a profession which is challenging the status quo, creating a platform to champion the voice of female professionals.”
In response to the finding that 36% of girls still say that the property and construction sector is purely for men, Sean Tompkins, RICS CEO, has taken a pledge to drive gender equality in this sector and to avoid speaking on panels that are not diverse or representative.
Tompkins said: “We need to showcase the expertise of women in our industry. I urge other industry leaders to stand up and follow suit. That’s why I’m issuing the CEO challenge, calling on fellow business leaders to take the pledge and by doing so enhance diversity in the built environment across the UK."