Today, on International Women’s Day (8 March 2019), people, groups, companies and associations across the globe come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women from both the past and present.
At Mattioli Woods, we know how integral women are to the success not only of our company but also the financial services sector as a whole. That's why this week we have been holding fascinating sessions between a group of female workmates where they have been discussing how we can better support the development (and career aspirations of) women into senior roles.
With attendees from our many business areas and office locations, the group split into four teams to look at each of the key building blocks of an action plan, as recommended in a framework by the Government Equalities Office.
These were:
- recruitment (skill-based assessments, diverse selection panels, women in shortlists and structured interviews)
- reward and recognition (transparency to promotion, pay and reward, performance self-assessments, encourage salary negotiations by showing salary ranges)
- development and training (mentoring and sponsorship, networking, unconscious biased training, diversity training, leadership training)
- culture and workplace (diversity task managers, shared parental leave, workplace flexibility)
These discussions will serve as a launch pad for action, and proved to be a wonderful networking and celebration opportunity, too.
Elsewhere in the financial services sector on International Women's Day, a bronze ‘Fearless Girl’ statue has been installed in London’s financial district, highlighting the importance of female leaders in business.
The original Fearless Girl statue was erected on Wall Street in 1997. She stares down a bull, raising awareness in gender diversity in corporate leadership.
