Reflection on International Women's Day at Hokodo Fintech at the Forefront of Inclusivity
Yesterday, as I took the stage at Hokodo to commemorate a belated International Women's Day, I was struck by an extraordinary sight: a room where men outnumbered women, offering a powerful symbol of inclusivity within #fintech.
This was a stark contrast to the usual female-dominated audiences at many #IWD events, underscoring the collaborative effort & allyship needed for true gender equality in our industry.
Hokodo, for those that don’t know are a leader in B2B Buy Now, Pay Later & insurance solutions in UK& Europe, whose mission transcends innovation in digital trade credit to breaking down barriers and fostering diversity in fintech.
Fintech an arena historically shaped by male dominance with women comprising only 28% of the fintech workforce compared to 44% in broader financial services, is actually witnessing a pivotal shift. Initiatives like the UK Treasury's Innovate Finance Women in FinTech Powerlist and platforms such as 100WomenFinTech are not just celebrating women's contributions but also paving the way for future female leaders.
As we celebrated International Women's Day, we acknowledged & discussed the challenges ahead on the path to gender parity in fintech. Yet, it's through these very challenges that we can find opportunities for progress and creativity.
Introducing “W.O.M.A.N” Working Overtime to Mentor, Advocate, and Nurture women's careers. This initiative calls on all to support and advance women professionally, emphasising mentorship, advocacy, and creating environments where women can thrive.
Leadership is more than guidance; it's about inspiring change through personal example, self-awareness, and embracing values like bravery and empowerment.
This includes a dedication to empowering women through educational forums, encouraging participation in industry events, providing leadership opportunities, and enhancing their visibility in fintech. By joining forces with partners , with the aim to build an ecosystem that values innovation as much as it champions diversity and inclusivity.
Our discussions on allyship, including examples like advocating for more representation and celebrating achievements, being brave in conversations & underscore the need for continuous improvement.
Fostering gender equality in fintech and beyond is a collective endeavor. Let's commit to making every day a celebration of allyship ,to women's achievements, moving us closer to a truly inclusive future.
Thank you Emma Mcstravick (née Waldron) Louis Carbonnier for the opportunity to to join your team yesterday.
#InternationalWomensDay #FintechInclusivity #GenderEquality #Hokodo #WOMANInitiative