At a recent financial conference, Afua Bulley, Head of Global Markets at Stanbic Bank Ghana, made a powerful call for young women to boldly pursue careers in finance. Speaking on a panel at the ACI Ghana Financial Markets Conference, Bulley emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusive growth in the industry, highlighting the strides made so far and the need for further progress.
During her address, Bulley reflected on the progress achieved over the years within Ghana’s financial sector, particularly in terms of gender diversity. She pointed out that women now hold 30% of board seats in Ghanaian banks, a significant improvement compared to a decade ago. However, she stressed that this is just the beginning. “I believe there is more to be done to achieve parity in numbers at the least, but there is tangible evidence that progress has been made,” she remarked, underscoring the ongoing need for effort in achieving true inclusivity.
To advance diversity in finance, Bulley advocated for a comprehensive strategy involving education, mentorship, internships, and supportive policies. She argued that exposing young girls to finance through education could dispel myths about the field being solely about number crunching.
“Through education, we can expose young girls to finance and debunk the notion that finance is all about number crunching. Young girls who show interest in finance should also be given scholarships and bursaries to encourage them more,” she stated.
Bulley also highlighted the role of internships in changing perceptions. By seeing women in leadership positions firsthand, young professionals can envision their own potential to rise in their careers. “Internships will expose young professionals to seeing women in high positions and this will create a shift in their mindset and tell them they can also get to the highest point in their careers,” she explained.
Mentorship was another key area of focus in Bulley’s address. She urged women who are already established in the finance sector to support and guide younger women entering the industry. “Women who have already taken the lead in the industry should hold the hands of prospective females and mentor them by providing support, guidance and introducing them to their wider networks,” she advised.
Additionally, Bulley called on organizations to foster a culture that promotes female development through fair policies. “We must strive towards policies that are not punitive to females but rather encourage an open and transparent culture that makes women feel safe,” she added, emphasizing the need for a supportive work environment.
The conference, themed ‘Navigating the Future: Innovation, Ethical Excellence, and Inclusion in Ghana’s Financial Markets,’ brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers. It served as a platform to explore the current challenges and trends in Ghana’s financial landscape, with a strong focus on promoting gender diversity and inclusion.