#InspireInclusion - The Voices of Female Leadership in Finance

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, the journey towards gender equality remains a challenging path.  As the world commemorates International Women's Day 2024, GENCFO caught up with some of our wonderful female members about their achievements and the hurdles they have faced in their careers.

Exec Members Becky Glover, the Finance Director at Yutree Insurance and Chengai Ruredzo, Financial Controller at Open Energy Market got real about their experiences and the challenges they've faced as women in finance leadership roles. We also heard from Pro Member Lynne Titley, the Senior Reporting & Governance Accountant at Babcock International Group.

Digital Finance Function Award Winners Andi Lonnen, Chief Energising Officer at FBP Academy and Marie Charpentier, SVP of Finance & People Operations at Infosum also discussed the hurdles they have overcome and their advice for aspiring female leaders.

Overcoming hurdles as a female leader in finance 

Lynne recounts her experiences of confronting gender bias in the feedback she has received, highlighting the influence of stereotypes and expectations. Andi reveals how she's been paid less than men doing the same job. Becky's story, which includes being interrogated about her family intentions during interviews, unveils antiquated beliefs doubting women's commitment to their professional lives.

Advice for aspiring female finance leaders

The guidance from these pioneers is truly inspiring. Marie Charpentier encourages aspiring female leaders to always trust in their potential to thrive and excel, stressing the power of self-confidence in conquering obstacles. Chengai Ruredzo emphasises the importance of being fearless and resolute, highlighting the need for inner resilience when confronted with difficulties. Meanwhile, Becky Glover advises to "find your north star," highlighting the value of having a clear objective as a guiding force to stay on track during tough times.

Making a difference at GENCFO

At GENCFO, we're not just watching from the sidelines; we're actively making sure gender equality is a priority in our community and having a balanced representation of genders at our events.

In line with this commitment, we've established the 'Women in Finance' group on our community platform, led by Executive Member Becky Glover. This initiative provides a secure environment where female finance leaders can forge connections, arrange informal meet-ups, and seek answers to any queries they may have.

Even though we've made progress towards equality, it's eye-opening to see that only 30% of CFOs are women today. This statistic is not merely a figure; it underscores the persistent barriers and biases impeding women's advancement within the finance sector.

The journey of female leaders in finance is all about resilience, courage, and striving for equality. Their stories not only shed light on the obstacles women encounter but also lay the groundwork for the next generation of leaders.