Initiative to support early-career women in capital transactions and leasing through mentorship and training
The Property Council and the Property Champions of Change have introduced a two-year initiative to promote gender diversity in capital transactions and leasing — two sectors in the property industry historically dominated by men.
The Capital Transactions and Leasing Early Career Program will support early-career women through mentorship, training, and networking opportunities.
In the first phase, participating organisations will nominate an early-career woman to join the program. A total of 28 women from New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland will take part, gaining access to monthly masterclasses with industry leaders and key industry events. A marketing campaign will also run alongside the program to attract more women to careers in property.
Nicole Battley (pictured above), diversity and inclusion director at the Property Council of Australia, said the initiative aims to create a pathway for women in capital transactions and leasing.
“We’re committed to fostering diversity in capital transactions and leasing, ensuring more women have a clear pathway to leadership,” she said. “The Capital Transactions and Leasing Early Careers Program will help create a strong pipeline of women into two of property’s most male-dominated fields.
“By building a critical mass of women in these sectors, we’re laying the foundation for long-term diversity at senior levels. Participants will gain invaluable connections through industry networks and established programs like 500 Women in Property.”
At the program’s launch event, Investa chief executive and Champions of Change Coalition member Peter Menegazzo acknowledged the progress made in gender diversity but stressed the need for continued efforts.
“We must continue to build the talent pipeline, break down barriers, foster inclusion, and support programs like this,” he said. “They also provide support, training, mentorship, and access to networks – ensuring women don’t just enter these roles but thrive in them.
“This effort has been helped by the Champions of Change Property Group, of which I am a proud participant, where industry leaders are helping drive systemic change and create pathways for women to step into leadership roles.”
The latest Champions of Change Coalition Annual Impact Report highlighted the progress of Australian property leaders in advancing gender equality. The report also detailed the measures organisations are taking to support employees, with 96% of member companies providing assistance for those affected by domestic and family violence, and 76% running community impact initiatives in this area.
All member organisations now have strategies to encourage greater uptake of parental leave, while 84% offer additional support beyond carer’s leave for employees with caregiving responsibilities. Additionally, 71% have set targets and timelines to close gender pay gaps.
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