SFE launches new network to support progress on gender equality
Scottish Financial Enterprise has launched its new Gender Equality Network (GEN) on International Women’s Day, which aims to support and further build on sector-wide efforts on gender equality and gender parity.
GEN will work to accelerate positive change on issues affecting career progression for women, such as the gender pay gap, senior representation, career pathways, and representation in male dominated sub-sectors and roles like investment management and tech.
It will also be a platform for discussion, best practice and coordinated action to address gendered issues like menopause, childbirth and maternity leave, and traditionally gender-associated issues like childcare.
The Network aims to support initiatives already driving progress Women in Banking and Finance and Future Asset, while avoiding duplication. It will also support SFE’s broader strategic delivery by providing new points of connection, collaboration and development for our inclusion agenda, Young Professionals Network and Board.
Jayne Currie, Director of Membership Services at SFE, said:
“It has been clear from conversations with our members in recent months that there is a real demand for greater focus on gender equality. While the financial services industry has seen real progress in recent years, there is still much more work to be done to make the industry truly inclusive for women.
“I look forward to working with our members, our Young Professionals Network, and with Women in Banking and Finance and other partner organisations to connect, amplify and accelerate our shared ambitions of a fairer and more representative financial services industry.”
Sandy Begbie CBE, SFE Chief Executive, said:
“The launch of our Gender Equality Network is another milestone in our strategic vision to create a more inclusive financial services industry and have positive impact on society. The Network will have a key role to play in driving change and complementing the excellent work already being done at member firms and across the industry.”