Curtin graduate and Founder of Women in Finance & Investment Network Dikshita Awotarowa.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s paramount that we take stock of the progress toward gender equality and equity, particularly within the finance industry. It’s increasingly clear that women’s economic empowerment isn’t merely a facet but a cornerstone of a truly gender-equal society.
I’m Dikshita Awotarowa, a young finance professional fueled by a fervent desire to dismantle barriers, foster inclusivity, and empower women in our field.
Armed with close to 10 years of experience working in the banking, finance, and investment sectors, coupled with a First-Class Honours degree in Finance from Curtin University, I bring a wealth of experience that underscores the significance of resilience and the imperative of creating spaces where women cannot just survive but thrive in their careers.
From my earliest encounters, the allure of finance captivated me with its dynamism and its potential to effect substantive change worldwide. However, embarking on this journey as a young woman came fraught with challenges.
I vividly recall my experiences working in Ghana and other African nations, where I often found myself as part of a minority at various investor meetings or conferences. It was here that I recognized how entrenched the culture of male dominance was, often obscuring the capabilities of women and making it daunting to carve out a place for oneself.
The gender gap still varies strongly by region, with the highest gap in the Middle East and North Africa. Followed by South Asia, the South African Development Community (SADC) countries, and Central America with the lowest levels seen in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries (IMF, 2023).
In Australia, our national gender pay gap is at 12 percent. As of November 2023, for every dollar on average men earned, women earned 88 cents. That’s $238 less than men each week, and $12,376 less a year (WGEA, 2023).
Determined to bridge this divide, I founded the Women in Finance and Investment Network (WIFIN). The platform is dedicated to influencing emerging markets by providing support, mentorship, and opportunities for women to not only share their experiences but also exchange ideas and empower each other to scale new heights.
Presently, our network has grown across the African continent and boasts a rich tapestry of members from diverse backgrounds, all contributing to the vibrancy of the finance industry. Through initiatives ranging from mentoring programs to leadership development, we’ve been agents of change, empowering women to shatter glass ceilings and redefine success on their terms.
To pave the path toward a more equitable future, we must take concrete actions to empower women through economic means.
Firstly, ensuring equitable access to education and training is paramount. Investing in STEM education for girls and offering scholarships can help bridge the gender gap in industries like finance.
Secondly, fostering inclusive workplace policies and cultures is indispensable. Companies must prioritize gender diversity initiatives, including flexible work arrangements and bias training, to cultivate environments where women can thrive.
Thirdly, advocating for equal pay and representation at all levels is imperative. By closing the gender pay gap and increasing female representation in leadership positions, we can catalyze economic empowerment and effect tangible societal change.
Lastly, championing women in leadership by implementing policies that promote gender diversity fosters an environment where women can not only survive but lead with confidence.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, gender equity isn’t merely a moral prerogative; it’s a strategic necessity. By accelerating gender equality through economic empowerment, we unlock the boundless potential of women, propelling innovation, fostering growth, and fueling prosperity.
This International Women’s Day let’s recommit ourselves to constructing a world where every woman is not just acknowledged but celebrated, where her voice reverberates, and where her contributions are esteemed.
Together, let us forge a future where gender equity isn’t an aspiration but an incontrovertible reality.
Dikshita Awotarowa, Founder & President of Women in Finance & Investment Network and Executive Financial Analyst at Tri Pac Inc.
Graduating from Curtin in 2020 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance (First-Class Honours), Dikshita is driven to connect women in finance across the globe. Dikshita is the Founder and President of the Women in Finance & Investment Network, which is a global non-profit and independent membership organisation providing opportunities to women and girls around the world to pursue a successful and rewarding career in finance. Currently, she works in the US as an Executive Financial Analyst at Tri Pac Inc.
