In 2024, women represent about 31% of leadership positions in financial institutions.Although subtle, this number 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 evolution has already evidenced 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 make above-average profits.
According to Jenni Almeida'sfounder and CEO of Invest4U, financial consulting firm, women bring a strategic and long-term vision that is fundamental to business success.“Different perspectives contribute to the development of new strategies and innovations, and female leaders have demonstrated this with differentiated approaches, more collaborative.In the financial sector, for example, this diversity brings an important balance to the market, with more thoughtful decisions and ability to adapt in crisis scenarios”, she says.
Gender equity as a success factor
The growth of female participation in leadership positions is not limited to large corporations.Sebrae data show that, until last year, women represented 48% of new entrepreneurs in Brazil, an increase of 8% compared to 2020. “We are increasingly occupying spaces that were previously predominantly male, and this is generating new growth and leadership opportunities for us”, says the CEO of Invest4U.
Jenni Almeida founded her consultancy with the aim of bringing affordable financial education to Brazilian families and, with the franchise model, also stimulating other women like her to expand this legacy. “We need to understand that female inclusion is not only 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 points out.
A little bit of Jenni Almeida's story
In 2017, when Jenni was on maternity leave, the idea arose to found a company that was more than a consultancy, which reflected her deepest values and also impacted the future of her daughter. “I looked at Bella and thought: I think that being your best example; 100% of what I do needs to be correct so that you feel proud and have as an example of love, honesty, perseverance and wisdom”, recalls.
Throughout her professional career, 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 speed as them, and this is simple when it comes to planning. Invest4U comes not only for great leaders in high positions, but also for those who want to expand their assets with intelligence, love and honesty, just as I also wished there at the beginning”, argues Jenni.
Challenges and opportunities for women in the financial market
While the advances are significant, there are still barriers for women who want to act in the financial market, either 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 mentoring programs and support networks limit the progress of women in the area, which perpetuates barriers related to gender biases.
At Invest4U, the personalized approach, which includes ongoing training and support, and grounded in family values, aims to support men and women to invest in a conscious and strategic way. “As a woman and entrepreneur, I know how challenging it can be to achieve financial independence and plan for 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,” highlights 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 the 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 that the future reserves even more opportunities”, he concludes.
