DIVERSITY
“ HARMFUL STEREOTYPES CONTINUE TO PERSIST IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE INDUSTRY , AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO WORK TOWARDS CREATING A CULTURE OF EQUITY ”
KRISTA GRIGGS HEAD OF FINANCIAL SERVICES & INSURANCE , FUJITSU
Diversity starts with better education But all the perks in the world are not going to drive change if fewer women than men are applying for opportunities in the fintech industry . The fact is that fewer women are entering into these types of careers because , even from a young age , they see jobs in the financial sector as primarily better suited to men .
Krista Griggs , Head of Financial Services & Insurance at Fujitsu , says more needs to be done from the ground up to promote the idea of careers in STEM to girls in schools . She says companies can play an active role in helping that to happen .
“ Harmful stereotypes continue to persist in certain parts of the industry , and it is important to work towards creating a culture
MARIA CAMPBELL COO , GRIFFIN
BEN AIER VP OF PRODUCT , YAPILY
ROMI SAVOVA FOUNDER AND CEO , PENSIONBEE
KRISTA GRIGGS HEAD OF FINANCIAL
SERVICES & INSURANCE , FUJITSU
of equity . This will require more female role models and male allies to shift the culture .
“ As we move into 2023 , it is essential to ‘ embrace equity ’ and support one another by lifting each other up and celebrating our accomplishments .”
Griggs explains that industry cultures persist – and this is unhelpful . “ In the past , the financial and insurance industries often saw women in leadership positions as ‘ firsts ’ or ‘ onlys ’. To remove this ‘ othering ’ connotation , industries must shift the narrative by elevating the profile of women in senior positions and positioning them as leaders on par with their male counterparts .”
“ For younger people seeking meaning in their careers , it is particularly important to highlight the significant initiatives of female leaders in the tech sector ,” she continues .
“ Women in leadership positions can promote the social benefits that technology brings to society and motivate the next generation of female technologists . At Fujitsu , we host ‘ Our Girls ’ Days to promote STEM activities for children aged 7 to 11 and introduce them to females in STEM .”
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