Young women urged to pursue careers in finance

THE Head of Global Markets at Stanbic Bank Ghana, Afua Bulley, has urged young women to confidently pursue careers in finance, encouraging them to embrace opportunities in the industry. 

Speaking during a panel discussion on ‘Encouraging Diversity: Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Growth in Finance’ at the ACI Ghana Financial Markets Conference, she recounted the progress that has been made over the years relative to diversity in Ghana’s financial industry while also emphasising the need for continued progress and further efforts to achieve greater inclusivity. 

“If we take the banking sector, for example, 30 per cent of the boards of banks are female, indicating a lot of progress over the past decade. I believe there is more to be done to achieve parity in numbers at the least, but there is tangible evidence that progress has been made,” she stated.

She said addressing the issue of diversity in the finance industry demanded a multifaceted approach that tackled the issue from all fronts. 

This approach, she said, required all stakeholders to look at solving the issue through education, internships, mentorship and policy.

“Through education, we can expose young girls to finance and debunk the notion that finance is all about number crunching. Young girls who show interest in finance should also be given scholarships and bursaries to encourage them more.” 

“Internships will expose young professionals to seeing women in high positions and this will create a shift in their mindset and tell them they can also get to the highest point in their careers,” she explained.

Ms Bulley also advised women who have already taken the lead in the industry to hold the hands of prospective females and mentor them by providing support, guidance and introducing them to their wider networks. 

Culture

She said organisations must also promote a culture that supports female development through policy.

“We must strive towards policies that are not punitive to females but rather encourage an open and transparent culture that makes women feel safe,” she added.

The Financial Markets Conference was organised by ACI Ghana on the theme: ‘Navigating the Future: Innovation, Ethical Excellence, and Inclusion in Ghana’s Financial 
Markets.’ 

The event brought together industry leaders, regulators and policymakers to discuss current trends and challenges in Ghana’s financial industry.