Event Summary
GALLERY | Future is Female
It was a full house on Wednesday night as property professionals gathered to discuss the importance of having diverse voices in placemaking. Held in association with Close Brothers Property Finance and Velux, the event featured an inspiring discussion that celebrated how far the industry has come in terms of representation, while also pushing for more work to be done.
Expert speakers
- Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council
- Georgina Lynch, managing director of PJ Livesey Group
- Krista Powell, partner and head of Manchester at Napthens
- Michele Steel, chief executive of Regeneration Brainery
- Rachael Cunliffe, founder of Engage 5
- Ian Scott, chief executive of Ocasa Homes
The event’s title, “Future is Female” proved to be both a source of inspiration and a challenge. The panel spoke about the benefits of crafting places with women in mind – such as improved lighting, sight lines, public transport, and public restrooms. These are decisions that benefit more than just women, but make places better for everyone.
The train of thought continued to the workplace, where flexible work was cited as a gamechanger for enabling women to stay in their careers and progress to more senior levels.
Those attending, both men and women, were encouraged to become mentors and to encourage women to put themselves forward for new jobs and promotions. They were challenged to have the awkward conversations around pay, to ensure that salaries are given equitably. And there was a push for PPE designed for women, or at least available in smaller sizes, a transition that would result in not only in PPE that fit better but was also safer and fit-for-purpose.
Future is Female was held at Manchester Hall on 25 February. You can see photos of the event in the gallery below.
Quality exposure and discussion on a subject of great importance. Well done Place and Close Brothers for bringing together so many engaged people together.
By Dan H
Is the future female, or just one where talent, of whatever background, is free to express itself and reach its potential?
By Anonymous
I believe many at the event would agree that what you described is the future we want. There’s still a long way to go until we get there, however, and until we do it is worth having conversations (and then acting on the initiatives discussed) about how we encourage a more diverse workforce.
By Julia Hatmaker
When is the mens event? Should be the best person regardless
By Anon