Women in Fintech: Addressing Tiredness and Underrepresentation

A New Narrative

In a world where the narrative around women’s roles often feels stagnant, a short film by Rarzack Olaegbe breaks the mold. This compelling piece, produced by The Women Against Tiredness in Society (TWATS), diverges from the typical discourse that demands women be placed in leading roles. Instead, it captures the essence of fatigue—both physical and emotional—experienced by women in the workplace. The film resonates deeply, challenging the outdated stereotype that a woman’s place is solely in the kitchen.

The Weight of Expectations

One poignant moment in the film features a woman who expresses her frustration about working 50-hour weeks at an architecture firm, designing kitchens for others, yet finding herself unable to carve out even one hour a week to cook in her own home. This striking irony underscores a broader issue: women are often expected to juggle demanding careers while fulfilling traditional domestic roles. The film’s message is clear: women are tired of these unrealistic expectations and are ready to reclaim their time and opportunities.

International Women’s Day: A Call to Action

The film was launched in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), which emphasizes that an equal world is an enabled world. The IWD campaign encourages everyone to contribute to forging a gender-equal world by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias, and taking actionable steps toward equality. Gloria Steinem, a prominent feminist and activist, aptly noted that the struggle for women’s equality is a collective effort, belonging to all who care about human rights.

Gathering of Leading Ladies

On April 14, a significant gathering of women in financial technology will take place at the Tech Zone in Gbagada. Unlike the discussions in the film, these leading ladies will focus on solutions rather than fatigue. They will address the pressing issue of underrepresentation in the fintech ecosystem, seeking to accelerate gender inclusion and improve peer support.

FemTech in Fintech Forum

This gathering is organized under the auspices of the FemTech in Fintech Forum (FiFF), which is part of the Lagos Fintech Week. This premier networking event aims to celebrate and promote the contributions of women in the financial technology sector across Africa. It provides a platform for women to connect, share experiences, and discuss leadership, diversity, and the importance of inspiring future generations of girls to enter the fintech space.

A Platform for Change

The FemTech in Fintech Forum is designed to foster intimate networking opportunities, allowing women to connect on a personal level. The event is managed by eMaginations and supported by Fintech 1000plus, with Dr. Yele Okeremi, CEO of Precise Financial Systems, serving as the chairman of the organizing committee.

Voices of Influence

Among the influential women participating in the forum are Christabel Onyejekwe, Executive Director of Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System; Adedoyin Odunfa, CEO of Digital Jewels; and Odun Eweniyi, co-founder of Piggyvest. These leaders will engage in discussions aimed at addressing the gender gap in fintech, exploring how to access necessary technical skills and learning opportunities.

The Case for Inclusion

The statistics surrounding women’s roles in financial management are striking. Research indicates that women make 80% of household spending and financial management decisions, yet only 7% of fintech organizations employ female executives. Furthermore, 73% of women globally report dissatisfaction with their banking services, and a staggering 80% of women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with credit needs remain unserved or underserved.

Bridging the Gap

Despite the evident demand for female representation in fintech, the underrepresentation of women in executive roles remains a significant challenge. For instance, in 2018, none of the 38 fintech companies that raised venture capital funding in Africa had a female chief executive. This glaring gap highlights the urgent need for discussions and actions aimed at fostering gender inclusion in the fintech ecosystem.

A Collective Effort

As the leading ladies in fintech gather to address these pressing issues, they will not only share their experiences but also strategize on how to create a more inclusive environment. The conversation will focus on bridging the gender gap, enhancing diversity, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard and valued in the financial technology landscape.

Through collaboration and shared commitment, these women are poised to make significant strides toward a more equitable future in fintech, proving that when women thrive, everyone benefits.