3. Rather than directing women toward sex-segregated networking opportunities, provide women with access to successful role models of both genders. Be sure that these mentors give lots of in-person feedback and that they challenge women to find creative ways to work around traditional gender roles that exist in the profession.
Kathleen McQuiggan
Special advisor on gender diversity
CFP Board Center for Financial Planning
Washington, D.C.
1. Awareness. Role models need to be visible and share their stories on how they entered the profession and discovered what a great career financial planning can be. They should also educate women interested in the field on the different career paths that are available to them.
2. Men as allies. We need to take a more inclusive approach, with both men and women invested in recruiting, advancing and retaining women in the financial services industry.
3. Accountability. Firms need to be open to exploring where they might have blind spots with regard to factors that might be creating an unlevel playing field within their own organizations. They should acknowledge any issues and work towards improving gender parity internally.
Leighann Miko
Financial advisor, Equalis Financial