In 2024, women hold approximately 31% of leadership positions in financial institutions. While small, this represents an increase compared to 2020, when participation stood at just 24%, according to a report by the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC).
Much remains to be done to ensure gender equality in companies, particularly in senior positions, but this progress has already demonstrated the positive impact of diversity. A McKinsey consultancy study examining the effects of inclusion and fairness within businesses found that organisations with women in leadership positions are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profits.
Другий Дженні Алмейдазасновник і генеральний директор Інвест4У[Company name], a financial advisory firm, believes women bring a strategic and long-term vision crucial to business success. "Different perspectives contribute to the development of new strategies and innovations, and female leaders have demonstrated this with distinct, more collaborative approaches." In the financial sector, for example, this diversity brings important balance to the market, resulting in more considered decisions and greater adaptability in crisis situations," they opine.
Gender equity as a factor in success
The growth in female representation in leadership positions isn't confined to large corporations. Sebrae data shows that, until last year, women accounted for 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 creating new opportunities for growth and leadership for us," says the CEO of Invest4U.
Jenni Almeida founded her consultancy with the aim of bringing accessible financial education to Brazilian families and, through a franchise model, also encouraging other women like her to expand this legacy. "We need to understand that female inclusion isn't just a matter of social justice, but also a strategic imperative. Women have a unique ability to analyse risk, and I dare say mothers have a heightened sense that allows them to identify even more opportunities, making the financial sector much more dynamic and competitive," she emphasizes.
A little bit about Jenni Almeida's history
In 2017, while Jenni was on maternity leave, the idea of founding a company that was more than just a consultancy, one that reflected her deepest values and also impacted her daughter's future, emerged. "I looked at Bella and thought, 'I have to be your best example; everything I do needs to be right so that she feels proud and has examples of love, honesty, perseverance, and wisdom'," she recalls.
Throughout her career, she's met many remarkable women who, despite having limited access to financial strategies, possessed a strong desire for growth. "Financial results need to work at the same pace as them, and that's straightforward when a plan is presented. Invest4U isn't just for senior leaders in high positions, but also for those who want to expand their wealth intelligently, lovingly, and honestly, just as I desired at the outset," Jenni argues.
Challenges and opportunities for women in the financial market
While significant progress has been made, barriers still exist for women seeking 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, a lack of mentorship programs and support networks hinders women's progress in the field, perpetuating gender bias barriers.
At Invest4U, our personalized approach, which includes ongoing training and support, and is rooted in family values, aims to help men and women invest consciously and strategically. "As a woman and entrepreneur, I know how challenging achieving financial independence and planning a secure future can be. I firmly believe that financial education is the key to making this happen. Empowering women with this knowledge opens doors to real opportunities for strategic growth," highlights Jenni.
For a CEO, if inclusion programmes 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 programmes that support the female presence, both in entrepreneurship and leadership positions. "When women thrive, the economy thrives too. We are only beginning to see the potential of women in the market, and I believe the future holds even more opportunities," she concludes.
