This year's theme, 'Inspire Inclusion', celebrates diversity and empowerment and calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes and create environments where all women are valued and respected.
Despite being one of the most progressive emerging sectors, reports show that women represent only 30% of the European Fintech workforce. We have more to do to achieve gender balance in the industry, and the first step is hiring and amplifying strong female voices, which is why we asked talented employees from across Mangopay to share their thoughts on what Women's Day means to them and how Fintech companies could inspire inclusion.
For me, International Women's Day represents the women's fight for equality day. It's the day we stop doing our daily activities, engage, reflect, and discuss our challenges as women in society.
Today is a day to remember that even if we don't start from the same point, we can still make great things happen. It reminds me of a hire I made from a minority group in my home country, Brazil.
Her performance and skills were perfect for the role, and she was the strongest candidate. Sadly, she doubted her ability, as she didn't see other people like her in the company and felt it made her inadequate, even questioning why I hired her when there were better people in the room.
My response was to set out a development path and help her see in herself what I had seen in her. After a few months, she was more confident and performing excellently. It showed how much inclusion matters, and there should be a massive effort to remove biases that make people feel they don't belong.
Somebody once told me: "If you don't do it for yourself, do it for your daughter so that she will work in a better world." It opened my eyes to embracing change and making everyday improvements that could help deliver lasting impact benefiting other women in the longer term.
I joined a technology company a decade ago as the first female employee. Three years later, several business leaders were women. The precedent we set is powerful - even if we don't realise this in the moment.
Women can thrive in Fintech by being unapologetically themselves, leading by example and striving for senior positions, which will, in turn, inspire other women to follow in their footsteps.
It wasn't that long ago that women were confined to the house and denied the right to vote - imagine that. Professionals like Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin de Francueil, the French novelist, had to borrow the male pseudonym George Sand to get taken seriously. In the past, the situation was deplorable.
Today is bittersweet. It's a day to celebrate the global achievements of women from all walks of life, but it's also an opportunity to recognise we still have a long way to go to achieve equality.
Fintechs can help the journey towards parity by balancing promotions and pay between genders, running dedicated D&I campaigns to mitigate stereotypes and putting actions in place to support working mothers facing the lion's share of childcare responsibilities.
IWD (International Women's Day) is an opportunity to remember the strong female figures who shaped and championed your achievements.
I learned resilience and independence from my grandmothers. Sadly widowed at a young age, both continued to provide for the family, rearing cattle and taking on the figurehead role, showing strength even in the most challenging times, and determination and self-reliance from my mother, who built up a sewing business to support the family, successfully funding my courses at Alliance Française (a worldwide institution promoting French language and culture).
My learnings allowed me to study abroad, and I moved to France, supporting myself financially throughout my studies while sending money home. Despite sadly losing my family members, the values they instilled in me continue to guide me on my path. I am deeply touched that my younger relatives view me as a role model, and I do my best to set an example that honours the strong women who raised and inspired me.
The journey of resilience and independence passed down by the strong women in my life underscores the importance of self-belief. Despite facing adversity and mental boundaries, their stories teach us that, as women, we have the power to break barriers and pursue our aspirations in any sector we choose. Their legacy inspires us to believe in ourselves, pursue our dreams, and achieve whatever we set our minds to.
Women don't just walk the walk - we slay. We thrive through challenges, even when we want to swap our crowns for a cosy beanie. Women's Day celebrates incredible achievements across all industries, and it's a reminder of the ongoing need to break down barriers to create a more equitable future for us. It's a day to reflect and recommit to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can excel.
Reflecting on my school years, I remember several brilliant girls with the potential to become exceptional engineers and tech leaders. However, these fields were shrouded in intimidation for many of us. Witnessing the work of organisations like SheCodes, where women in technology empower others to enter technical careers, has been incredibly inspiring - accessing untapped potential.
To truly #InspireInclusion, we should start from within. Being understanding and respectful of each other and fighting stereotypes as a personal choice instead of looking at it as something 'fashionable’. Self awareness is key and your perspective of people is a mindset, not a culture nor a responsibility.
At Mangopay, our global team fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where unique perspectives spark innovation. Join us and make a difference! We're hiring!