Celebrating Women’s History Month: Driving Change for Inclusion in Finance
March is a month dedicated to honoring the contributions of women throughout history, and this year, the focus is on the pressing need for substantial change in various sectors, particularly finance. At the recent FinovateEurope event, a panel featuring industry leaders Vivi Friedgut, Chantal Swainston, Wincie Wong, and Nadia Edwards-Dashti highlighted the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace, as well as the collective efforts being made to drive positive change.
The Reality of Gender Inequality
The UK report titled "Sexism in the City" has shed light on the significant barriers women encounter in the workplace, including entrenched boys’ club cultures and a lack of fair progression opportunities. Alarmingly, findings from Wall Street reveal that 45% of financial companies in the S&P 500 still lack female representation among their top executives. These statistics underscore the urgent need for action and reform within the industry.
A Call for Collaboration
During the FinovateEurope panel, the importance of supporting one another in the quest for gender equality was a recurring theme. The discussion emphasized that every individual has the power to influence their environment and drive change. By collaborating and uplifting each other, progress can be made more effectively. This sentiment resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing the idea that collective action is essential for achieving gender equality.
Leading by Example: Katie Gwyn-Williams
Katie Gwyn-Williams, the organizer of all Finovate Global Events, exemplifies the impact of strong leadership in promoting gender equality. With a remarkable achievement of a "50/50 speaker gender ratio," Katie has dedicated over five years to making gender balance a non-negotiable priority in her events. She describes her efforts as a "labor of love," showcasing how commitment and determination can lead to meaningful change in representation and visibility within the industry.
Empowering Women: Chantal Swainston’s Journey
Chantal Swainston shared her inspiring journey of leaving a stable fintech job to establish ‘The Heard,’ an initiative aimed at highlighting women in fintech who seek greater public opportunities. Her experiences have not only enriched her career but have also empowered other women in their professional growth. Chantal emphasized the importance of elevating women’s profiles in the industry, stating that “amazing doors open for you when you do good things for others.” Her story serves as a reminder of the power of mentorship and community support in fostering success.
Policy Advocacy: Wincie Wong’s Impact
Wincie Wong, Head of Digital X Technical Workforce Capability at NatWest Group, is making significant strides in advocating for women through large-scale pipeline programs. Her pride and joy is a career-switching reskilling initiative that offers free coding training to displaced Ukrainian women. Wincie’s work extends beyond her organization; she collaborates with G8 countries and the EU Commission to develop policies that support female founders globally. Her commitment to initiatives like the Investing in Women Code demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring that women and underrepresented groups have access to funding and resources necessary for entrepreneurial success.
Addressing Funding Bias: Vivi Friedgut’s Perspective
Vivi Friedgut, founder of Blackbullion, highlighted the gender bias women face when seeking funding. She called for actionable steps rather than mere rhetoric surrounding gender equality. Drawing from her fundraising experiences, Vivi pointed out that women often need to approach more investors than their male counterparts to secure funding. She emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, stating, “Asking for funding is actually the trick to getting funding.” Her insights reveal the systemic challenges women encounter in the financial sector and the need for a cultural shift to create a more inclusive environment.
The Power of Collective Progress
The panel discussion at FinovateEurope served as a powerful reminder that each individual has the capacity to create a positive impact within their sphere of influence. By focusing on collective progress rather than divisive distractions, we can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all. The stories and initiatives shared by these remarkable women illustrate the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and support in driving meaningful change in the finance sector and beyond.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it is crucial to recognize the ongoing efforts of individuals and organizations committed to fostering gender equality. The journey towards inclusion is ongoing, and it requires the collective strength and determination of everyone involved.