In 2024, women represent about 31% of leadership positions in financial institutions. Although subtle, this figure represents an increase compared to 2020, when this participation was only 24%, according to a report by the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC).
There is still much to be done to ensure gender equity in companies, especially in senior positions, but this progress has already demonstrated the positive impact of diversity. According to a McKinsey consultancy survey that examined the effects of inclusion and equity in companies, organizations with women in leadership positions are 20% more likely to achieve above-average profits.
SecondJenni Almeida, founder and CEO ofInvest4Ufinancial consulting company, women bring a strategic and long-term vision that is essential for business success. "Different perspectives contribute to the development of new strategies and innovations, and female leadership has demonstrated this with differentiated, more collaborative approaches. In the financial sector, for example, this diversity brings an important balance to the market, with more thoughtful decisions and the ability to adapt in crisis scenarios," she opines.
Gender equity as a success factor
The growth of female participation in leadership positions is not limited to large corporations. Sebrae data shows that, until last year, women accounted for 48% of new entrepreneurs in Brazil, an 8% increase compared to 2020. "We are increasingly occupying spaces that were previously predominantly male, and this is creating new opportunities for growth and leadership for us," says the CEO of Invest4U.
Jenni Almeida founded her consultancy with the goal of providing accessible financial education to Brazilian families and, through the franchise model, also encouraging other women like her to expand this legacy. "We need to understand that female inclusion is not just a matter of social justice, but also of strategy. Women have a unique ability to analyze risks, and I dare say that mothers have a keen sense that allows them to identify even more opportunities, making the financial sector much more dynamic and competitive," he emphasizes.
A little bit of Jenni Almeida's story
In 2017, when Jenni was on maternity leave, the idea of founding a company that was more than just a consultancy emerged—one that reflected her deepest values and also impacted her daughter's future. "I looked at Bella and thought: 'I have to be her best example; 100% of what I do needs to be correct so she feels proud and has as an example of love, honesty, perseverance, and wisdom,'" she recalls.
Throughout her professional journey, she met many great women who, despite having little access to financial strategies, had an immense desire to grow. "The financial result needs to work at the same pace as them, and that's simple when a plan is presented. Invest4U is not just for top leaders in high positions, but also for those who want to expand their assets with intelligence, love, and honesty, just as I also wished at the beginning," defends Jenni.
Challenges and opportunities for women in the financial market
Although the advances are significant, there are still barriers for women who wish to work in the financial market, whether as leaders or investors. A study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) revealed that only 25% of senior leadership positions in the global financial sector are held by women. According to the report, the lack of mentorship programs and support networks limits women's progress in the field, which perpetuates barriers related to gender biases.
At Invest4U, the personalized approach, which includes training and ongoing support, based on family values, aims to help men and women invest consciously and strategically. "As a woman and entrepreneur, I know how challenging it can be to achieve financial independence and plan a secure future. I firmly believe that financial education is the key to making this happen. Empowering women with this knowledge is opening doors to real opportunities for strategic growth," emphasizes Jenni.
For the CEO, if inclusion programs are properly encouraged and strengthened, the prospects for women in the financial market would be more promising. The positive impact that this inclusion has brought to the sector reinforces the need to continue investing in programs that support female presence, both in entrepreneurship and in leadership positions. "When women thrive, the economy also thrives. We are just beginning to see the potential of women in the market, and I believe the future holds even more opportunities," he concludes.
