At BSW, we are proud to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments, resilience, and contributions of women globally. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” serves as a call to action for all of us to do more to achieve a world where gender equality is the norm and not the exception.
While progress has been made, the World Economic Forum estimates that it will take until year 2158—roughly five generations—to achieve true gender parity worldwide. This timeline highlights the importance of actively working towards closing the gender gap across various sectors, including the world of finance, where women remain underrepresented and often face additional barriers to advancement. According to McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report, women currently hold just 29% of executive positions in corporate America. At this rate, true parity is almost 50 years away.
The Status of Women in Finance
In the finance industry, while women have made significant strides, they are still underrepresented in leadership roles. Recent studies show that women hold only a small percentage of executive positions in financial services, and the gender pay gap remains a challenge. We believe that to build a thriving financial ecosystem, we must not only support and mentor women but also actively foster an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
At BSW, we are committed to addressing these disparities by creating opportunities for women to thrive and mentor others. It’s an ongoing effort, but one we are passionate about.
How We Are Celebrating International Women’s Day
This year, in celebration of IWD, we are launching a special initiative: the Wall of Women. This tribute will honor the women who inspire us, from colleagues and mentors to historical figures who have paved the way for gender equality in finance and beyond. By creating this visual reminder of the women who have been catalysts for change, we hope to continue to inspire and empower the next generation of women leaders in finance.
Looking Ahead
At BSW, we acknowledge the road ahead may be long, but we remain resolute in our commitment to accelerate action for gender equality. By celebrating the incredible women who have shaped our firm and our industry, we hope to inspire continued progress.
Happy International Women’s Day
-Lily & Olivia
