By Tatenda Mupinyuri, MiFFT2025
As we reflect on International Women’s Day 2025, the theme Accelerate Action serves as a powerful call to push forward in achieving gender equality. Continuous progress requires collective action, policy shifts, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women at all levels.
The State of Female Leadership in Finance
Finance has long been a male-dominated industry, but the landscape is changing. Women are increasingly securing roles across different sectors of finance—trading, asset management, private equity, investment banking, and central banking—rising from analyst and associate positions to senior decision-makers who shape policy. However, they still face challenges such as:
- Underrepresentation in executive and board positions
- Pay gaps and biases in promotion decisions
- Limited access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities
- The struggle to balance career aspirations with personal responsibilities
To accelerate action, the financial sector needs to create an environment where women can thrive, ensuring equal opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
Why Gender Diversity at the Workplace Matters
Gender diversity in finance is not just a social issue—it’s a business imperative. Women bring unique strengths to leadership roles, including:
- Diverse perspectives that challenge conventional thinking and drive innovation
- Risk-awareness and long-term planning that contribute to stable financial management
With these qualities, diverse teams help reshape the industry, making it more ethical, forward-thinking, and sustainable.
Inspirational Women in Finance
From leading global financial institutions to launching fintech start-ups, women are reshaping the industry. Trailblazers like Christine Lagarde, who has held top positions at the IMF and the European Central Bank, have paved the way for greater diversity in economic leadership. Beyond high-profile leaders, women across the finance sector are driving change—leading investment strategies, innovating in fintech, and breaking into traditionally male-dominated spaces.
Their success proves that capability, resilience, and vision—not gender—define leadership. But to accelerate action, we need more women entering the pipeline, securing analyst and associate roles, and rising through the ranks with the right support.
How We Can Accelerate Action for Women in Finance
Progress won’t happen on its own—it requires proactive effort. To drive meaningful change, both individuals and organisations must commit to breaking down barriers. Here are key areas where we can accelerate action:
- Mentorship
Mentorship provides invaluable guidance, confidence, and career development support for aspiring finance professionals. Having access to experienced mentors helps young women to navigate challenges, develop critical skills, and build the confidence needed to excel in the industry.
In 2024, on International Women’s Day, I spoke with a female executive in Capital Markets during a networking session. She told me, “You will not get a job simply because you are a woman. You need to deliver, prepare, and demonstrate your capabilities.” Her words were direct but carried an important truth—success in finance is built on competence, preparation, and performance. A strong mentor can play a crucial role in helping young professionals develop these qualities, ensuring they not only enter the industry but thrive in it.
- Sponsorship
As a Masters in Finance Scholarship for Women recipient, I truly understand the impact of sponsorship. What once felt like an unrealistic dream became a reality, enabling me to study at a top business school that equips me with the skills and network to excel in finance. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of sponsorship to bridge gaps and create opportunities for aspiring professionals.
Some of my classmates have also benefited from sponsorship from their employers, such as central bank, who recognise the value of investing in female talent. This kind of institutional support not only provides women with the skills and networks needed to excel, but also fosters a pipeline of future leaders who can drive change within the industry. By bridging financial and opportunity gaps, sponsorship ensures that more women can advance into influential roles, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and dynamic financial sector.
- Policy Reforms and Workplace Inclusion
Financial institutions need to enforce policies that level the playing field. This includes:
- Equal pay policies to address wage gaps
- Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance
- Unbiased recruitment and promotion processes
- Networking and Community Building
Strong professional networks provide opportunities for career growth, collaboration, and support. Encouraging professionals to connect through industry associations, online communities, and networking events can make a significant difference in their professional journeys.
- Industry networks can offer peer support and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
- Attending conferences, summits, and workshops can help expand connections and open new doors.
Many of the people who have supported me in my career were connections I initially made through LinkedIn. Beyond their guidance, I also benefited from their networks through valuable references and introductions, which helped me navigate the industry and access new opportunities.
- Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can sometimes pose as a significant barrier, making even the most capable professionals question their abilities. Early in my career, I struggled with confidence, especially when presenting in high-stakes meetings. I remember how nervous I used to be—my hands would shake, and I would second-guess every word. My managing director, a woman who embodied leadership and resilience, saw my potential and continuously coached me. She pushed me to refine my delivery, helped me reframe my mindset, and provided the constructive feedback I needed to improve. Over time, those nerve-wracking moments turned into opportunities for growth, and I am now fully confident in presenting to senior stakeholders.
Support from mentors and peers plays a crucial role in reinforcing self-belief and encouraging women to step into leadership roles with assurance.
Advice for Future Female Leaders
For women aspiring to thrive in finance, I implore you to:
- Seek mentorship – Learning from experienced professionals can accelerate your growth.
- Continuous learning – Keep growing by developing new skills, enrolling in technical skills courses, attending industry conferences, and yes – sign up for that difficult Python course (you know, the one you’ve been avoiding!). Lifelong learning is key to staying ahead in finance.
- Stay informed – Keep up with financial trends, policy changes, and industry advancements. Read The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg, The Economist, and other reputable sources to stay ahead in the industry.
- Build a strong network – Connect with other professionals who can support and inspire you.
- Take bold steps – Confidence is key. Apply for that role! Yes, I mean that hedge fund strategist role – participate in discussions and take on new challenges.
Looking Forward: The Future of Women in Finance
By accelerating action today, we can create a more inclusive and dynamic industry for generations to come. Let’s continue pushing for progress, fostering inclusion, and ensuring that all women and girls have the opportunities they deserve.
To the women shaping finance—your leadership, resilience, and vision are not just inspiring; they are essential to the industry’s growth and success.