International Women's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women across the globe.
This year, the theme is #BeBoldForChange! This is a call for all of us to take bold actions and make to make the world a more ‘gender inclusive’ place. International Women’s Day is a reminder for all of us- men and women to actively take part in closing the gender parity gap.
Gladness Deogratias - the Head of Forex Trading and Chairwoman of Women Arise- a platform that fosters gender equality, advancement, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women at NMB shares with us her perspective on breaking the gender glass ceilings in the workplace and growing females leaders at NMB.
Q: Tell us your name.
Gladness Deogratias
Q: What is your role?
Head of Forex Trading and Chairwoman of NMB Women Arise forum
Q: What does gender parity mean to/for NMB?
For our bank, this means achieving a good balance of male and female in our workforce. It also means an inclusive culture that promotes diversity which is at the heart of innovation and will ultimately improve the performance of our organization. NMB believes this is not only a fair and right thing to do in the society, but also a business case for success.
Q: What can be done to challenge the barrier that prevents women from progressing?
There are a number of initiatives organizations can do to uplift these barriers including:
- Having a targeted recruitment
- Work and Leave policies that are flexible and gender sensitive
- Mentorship program to allow women to gain skills and experiences
- Specific female leadership training that will empower women
- Having an inclusive culture in the workplace
Q: What does it take to grow as a female leader at NMB?
NMB is no different to any other organization, so for any female leader looking to grow she must first understand that leadership is a journey and hence it’s a continuous learning process. She must embrace change and be willing to step outside her comfort zone to expand her horizon. Building relationships and collaborating with others across the organization through “Lean in” is a vital leadership trail. Some of these contacts will be your mentors (pick brains) or sponsor/support system. NMB is a very big bank with over 3000 staff; having solid network is an important benefactor in your journey; you never know who will be on your path to leadership. Above all, work hard, they say “hard work never goes unnoticed”.
Q: How should/do men take part in promoting gender parity at the work place (or in our communities)?
Men are key players in closing the gender gap. There is what we call “unconscious bias” that exists so including them will help to bring this in the open. Increase their responsibility and input in gender mainstreaming strategy to allow for ownership and execution. After all, around the world men dominate decision making positions hence ensuring outcomes are gender inclusive. Men can also be positive role models through mentorship program.
Q: How important is it that NMB and other corporations for that matter take bold actions in closing the gender parity gap?
It is extremely important that NMB and organizations alike take pragmatic actions towards promoting gender equality in their work place. Women in the work force are key drivers of economic progress of our countries; thus we cannot exclude this important labor force. Corporations should also consider gender inclusive leadership to promote diverse of ideas in their management teams. This will ultimately mean, products and services offered by these organizations will be gender sensitive hence help women and girls achieve their ambitions.
