Advancing Women in Banking and Finance

Dr Yiwei Li, EBS Lecturer in Finance, who co-organised the Women in Banking and Finance Essex Finance Centre (EFiC) Workshop that took place at EBS in early July.

On July 3, 2024, Essex Business School hosted the Women in Banking and Finance EFiC Workshop, bringing together leading researchers to discuss cutting-edge topics and promote gender equality in academia. The event featured innovative research presentations and a crucial panel discussion on gender equality in higher education.
The workshop showcased two sessions of research presentations covering diverse topics in banking and finance. Presenters from institutions across Europe and the US shared findings on subjects ranging from IPO trends during the COVID-19 pandemic to the impact of CEO ethnic origins on forced turnovers.

A highlight of the day was the panel discussion on Gender Equality in Academia, chaired by Maria Hudson, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Essex Business School.

The distinguished panel included:

• Barbara Casu, Deputy Dean at Bayes Business School
• Claudia Girardone, Dean at Essex Business School
• Charlotte Ostergaard, Director at BI Norwegian Business School
• Martyna Sliwa, Associate Dean at Durham University Business School

These accomplished leaders shared insights on promoting gender equality in higher education, particularly in banking and finance. Topics included strategies for increasing female representation in faculty and leadership roles, addressing unconscious bias, and creating inclusive academic environments.

The panel's diverse perspectives provided a comprehensive view of the current state of gender equality in academia. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with these thought leaders, contributing to the dialogue on creating a more equitable future for women in banking and finance research and education.

The workshop concluded with a networking reception, fostering connections that could shape the future of the field. By bringing together diverse voices, the event exemplified the power of collaboration in advancing research and promoting equality in academia.