Forum Views - March 2024
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FORUM VIEWS - MARCH 2024
s we commemorate International Women's Day in
2024, the world is engaged in conversation
Asurrounding diversity, equity, inclusion and
belonging, echoing the voices of women across all
industries, including the complex and dynamic world of
financial services. This year's theme, "Inspiring Inclusion,"
is a reminder of the collective journey we are on towards a
more equitable and diverse society. As I reflect on my
career, we must use IWD to celebrate the successes and
progress made but also recognise existing disparities that
continue to exist and make a concerted effort to address
them not just for now, but for future generations to come.
Inclusion is not just about representation; it's about
creating environments where women feel valued, heard
and empowered to thrive. The financial services sector has
historically struggled with gender diversity at senior
levels. Notwithstanding progress in recent years, women,
despite their undeniable talent and potential, continue to
face barriers that impede their career progression
and limit their representation in leadership roles. However,
amidst these challenges, I believe there exists hope
through mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching,
something that I have been fortunate to have benefited
from through my career.
Mentorship as the cornerstone of personal and
professional growth, plays a pivotal role in empowering
women to navigate the complexities of the workplace. A
mentoring relationship provides women with guidance,
advice, and valuable insights from someone who has
navigated similar challenges and triumphs. Through their
mentors, women can access networks, gain exposure to
new opportunities, and develop the skills and confidence
needed to advance in their careers. I have been privileged
to have had some incredible mentors throughout my career
who have done just that for me.
FOSTERING DIVERSITY
Heeral Shah
Head of ESG Strategy & Propositions,
Wholesale Lending, Corporate
and Investment Banking
Barclays
Moreover, mentorship goes beyond guidance; it fosters a
sense of belonging and empowerment. Some of the best
mentors I have had have also inspired me as role models.
When women see themselves reflected in leadership
positions and receive support from mentors who champion
their growth, it sends a powerful message: their voices
matter and their potential is limitless.
However, mentorship alone is not enough to overcome the
barriers that hinder women's advancement. This is where
sponsorship comes into play - as a proactive form of
support that goes beyond advice to advocacy. Sponsors
are typically influential leaders within an organisation, who
leverage their power and influence to actively promote the
careers of their protégées, opening doors to key
I n c l u s i o n i s n ' t j u s t a b o u t
representation; it's about creating
environments where women feel
valued, heard and empowered to
thrive. The financial services sector
has historically struggled with
gender diversity at senior levels.
Notwithstanding progress in recent
years, women, despite their
undeniable talent and potential,
continue to face barriers that
impede their career progression
and limit their representation in
leadership roles.
(London, United Kingdom)
Global Insights
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