The gender gap in employment remains a persistent challenge in today’s world, not just as a social and ethical issue, but also as an economic concern. The term “gender gap” in the workforce refers to the disparity between men and women in terms of their representation, opportunities, and remuneration in the workplace. This discrepancy not only hinders the progress and well-being of half the world’s population but also impairs economic growth and innovation. Gender equality in the workforce is more than a moral imperative; it is a foundational element for building sustainable and prosperous societies. However, gender equality remains a far-off dream for most industries.
Gender Gap, Discrimination, and Related Issues
Globally, women face significant hurdles in the workforce. Their participation rate in the labour force stands at about 47%, compared to 72% for men, according to the International Labour Organization. This gap is even more pronounced in certain regions, with disparities of more than 50%. Unfortunately, the problem extends beyond mere participation. When women do find employment, they often land in low-quality jobs under vulnerable conditions. The challenge is particularly acute in regions like Northern Africa and the Arab States, where female unemployment rates exceed 20%.
The impact of this gender gap is substantial, not only on individual women but on the global economy. Closing the gap could significantly boost global GDP, especially in regions with the largest disparities. Despite some progress in recent years, women are still less likely to be hired for entry-level jobs and are underrepresented in higher corporate positions. For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 86 women achieve the same, as per Business News Daily.
The solution lies not only in hiring more women but in creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. Companies are urged to focus on diverse recruitment, equitable compensation, and promotion procedures, along with offering supportive employee benefits, and conducting diversity and inclusion training. An inclusive company culture is essential for reducing the gender gap and unlocking the full potential of a diverse workforce.
Gender Gap in the Fintech Industry
The fintech sector, a thriving field at the intersection of finance and technology, is not immune to the gender gap challenges. A report published in the Business Today Online Journal indicated that less than 30% of the workforce in the fintech space is female, and under 5% of these women hold CEO positions. This underrepresentation in decision-making roles hampers the industry’s growth and development. The gender gap in fintech affects not only individual careers but also the quality and diversity of financial products and services.
As the fintech industry’s market value is estimated to grow to $305 billion by 2025, the widening gender gap could become even more detrimental. A diverse workforce has been shown to improve creativity, information sharing, and task completion. Companies with higher gender diversity are reportedly more financially successful, with studies indicating that gender-diverse companies exhibit better financial performance and higher economic returns.
Addressing the gender gap in fintech requires a multifaceted approach, including creating an environment that attracts and retains female talent, fostering gender diversity in leadership roles, and developing products that cater to a diverse user base. By closing this gap, the fintech industry can achieve greater equity and inclusion, as well as enhance its innovative capacity and market competitiveness.
Black Banx’s Role in Bridging the Gender Gap
Black Banx, a digital bank by German billionaire Michael Gastauer, stands out in the fintech industry for its commitment to closing the gender gap. With a current global workforce of more than 5,100 employees, the company says its manpower is a well diversified mix of different races and different genders. This is because the digital bank’s policies emphasize mutual respect, trust, and non-discrimination, creating an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, race, or background, feel valued and respected.
Interestingly, the Canada-headquartered fintech service has set ambitious targets to further diversify its workforce. By the end of 2025, the company aims to increase its workforce to 8,000 employees, with a minimum of 40% being female and a growing proportion in leadership roles. This goal reflects a deep understanding of the benefits of a diverse workforce, not just in terms of gender but also in cultural and racial diversity.
The company’s approach also extends beyond mere numbers. Black Banx focuses on creating working conditions that cater to the needs of a diverse workforce, offering competitive salaries, performance bonuses, generous leave policies, and other benefits that acknowledge and reward the contributions of all employees. By doing so, Black Banx is not just committing to gender equality in numbers but is fostering a culture where diversity is celebrated, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
On the whole, the efforts of companies like Black Banx in the fintech industry are crucial in bridging the gender gap in employment. By nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, these companies are not only upholding ethical standards but are also driving innovation and economic growth. The path to gender equality in the workforce is complex and requires concerted efforts across all industries. However, with pioneers like Black Banx leading the way, there is hope for a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.
