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Every year, International Women's Day serves as a powerful reminder of the strides we've made towards gender equality, whilst still highlighting the work that still needs to be done.
In the realm of finance, women continue to face unique challenges, from the gender pay gap to underrepresentation in leadership roles. This is why, as we celebrate International Women's Day this year, it's essential to reflect on how we can be allies to women in finance and work towards a more equitable future.
Here are some actionable steps you can take to empower women in the financial sector this International Women's Day - and beyond.
1) Bridge the Gender Money Gap
The gender pay gap remains a significant issue globally, with women earning, on average, 14.3% less than men in the UK. Additionally, research shows that women are less likely to invest in shares than men, contributing to a gender investing gap. As allies, we can work to bridge this gap by advocating for fair and equal pay practices in our workplaces and supporting initiatives that promote financial literacy by investing in education for women. By learning how to invest and helping other women do the same, we can empower them to take control of their financial futures.
2) Engage In Conversations About Money
Historically, there's been a taboo around discussing money - especially for women. Breaking this taboo is crucial for empowering women financially, and by encouraging open conversations about money and sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can help demystify finances and empower women to make more informed decisions about their financial well-being. Additionally, advocating for financial education programs and resources can further support women in gaining the skills and knowledge they need to thrive financially.
Wondering how to bring up the topic of money? Check out our guide here.
Here are some amazing educational resources for women looking to improve their relationship with money and build long-lasting wealth:
Clever Girl Finance, founded by and for women, was created as a means of empowering women to ditch debt, save money and build real wealth with 30+ free courses, articles, video content, an incredibly supportive community, and more.
FemaleInvest are on a mission to close the financial gender gap and offer memberships within an educational platform for women to learn more about money and investing.
YourJuno provide an interactive app interface with free courses for women and non-binary people looking to improve their financial habits for life.
3) Support Female-Owned Businesses
Another way we can uplift women economically is by supporting female-owned businesses. This International Women's Day, make a conscious effort to shop at female-owned businesses and continue to support them throughout the year. If financial constraints are an issue, there are other ways to support women-led businesses, for example, by sharing their products or services on social media or referring them to friends and family. By amplifying their voices and supporting their businesses, we can contribute to their success and economic empowerment.
Here are just some of our favourite female-led businesses - both big and small:
Minycled, founded by Karen Anderson, set out to create one-of-a-kind women's fashion pieces using sustainable, eco-friendly, and recycled fabrics with a commitment to zero fashion waste
Mati & Bee is an Essex-based small online boutique specialising in stylish handmade boho nursery and kids decor using eco-friendly recycled and organic fibres that don’t harm our planet
Evolve Organic Beauty, founded by Laura Rudoe, has created a range of organic beauty products that are affordable, effective, and healthier for both the people and the planet
Maua Gang creates truly one-of-a-kind toys designed with sustainability in mind. Maua puts her ideas into quirky characters and now makes kids' ideas come to life by designing creatures they have drawn
4) Make Charitable Contributions
Supporting organisations and charities that work towards gender equality and women's empowerment is another impactful way to be an ally. Consider donating to organisations like Women's Aid, Womankind, The Prince's Trust, or ActionAid, who all work tirelessly to eliminate gender-based discrimination and improve the lives of women worldwide. If monetary donations aren't possible, donating your time or resources through volunteering or clothing donations can also make a difference in the lives of women in need.
5) Be Vocal and Visible
As allies, it's essential to be vocal advocates for gender equality and women's rights. Use your voice and platform to speak out against injustices and inequalities that women face, both in the financial sector and beyond. Take part in International Women's Day events and initiatives, and encourage others to do the same. By being loud and proud supporters of women's rights, we can all contribute to the momentum towards positive change.
Did you know you can also show your support for International Womens Day with our Women’s Day cards available in the ImageNPay app?
You can use any of our Women's Day cards to make a digital donation to your favourite women's charity by using your INP card details when donating online! Click here to find out more.
This International Women's Day, let's commit to being active allies to women in finance and beyond. By taking concrete actions to bridge the gender money gap, promote financial literacy, support female-owned businesses, make charitable contributions, and raise our voices for gender equality, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
Together, we can empower women to achieve financial independence, break barriers, and thrive in the financial sector and beyond. 🫶
Download the ImageNPay app today to donate with your ImageNPay Prepaid card using any design from our #CelebratingWomen collection - available FREE on iOS and Android!