Workshop Outline Historical Perspective: Explore the historical role of women in finance and how it has evolved over time. Current Landscape: Discuss the current representation of women in finance, including statistics on employment, leadership positions, and pay gaps. Challenges and Barriers: Address the unique challenges and barriers that women face in the finance industry, such as gender bias, discrimination, and work-life balance issues. Success Stories: Highlight success stories of women who have excelled in finance, including their career journeys, achievements, and strategies for overcoming obstacles. Leadership and Mentorship: Discuss the importance of leadership and mentorship in supporting women’s career advancement in finance and provide guidance on how to find mentors and sponsors. Skill Development: such as negotiation skills, financial analysis, and leadership development. Networking and Support Systems: Emphasize the value of networking and building support systems within the finance industry, including professional associations, networking events, and online communities. Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Explore the role of diversity and inclusion initiatives in promoting gender equality and creating inclusive workplaces in the finance industry. Legal and Policy Frameworks: Provide an overview of relevant legal and policy frameworks related to gender equality in the workplace, including anti-discrimination laws and corporate diversity initiatives. Future Trends and Opportunities: Discuss emerging trends and opportunities for women in finance, such as the rise of impact investing, fintech innovation, and remote work arrangements.

Speakers

Bianca Botes

Director of Citadel Global

Bianca Botes currently holds the position of Director at Citadel Global, a role she has executed since April 2020. Her area of specialisation within this role is centered on treasury management, where she exhibits a keen focus on comprehending the intricacies of each financial transaction and masterfully crafting strategies to optimise outcomes for her valued clientele.

Her impressive career trajectory encompasses a diverse array of roles within the financial sector. Notably, she made significant contributions to corporate treasury management at Peregrine Treasury Solutions, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives, embracing emerging technologies and cultivating strategic partnerships. Prior to this position she excelled as the Head of Treasury at Exchange Capital. Her professional journey further encompasses experiences as a Treasury Consultant at Merchant West and an Advisor at Sanlam Investments.

Bianca’s academic background is underpinned by a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Economics from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Furthermore, she has penned a multitude of insightful articles for the SAIFM Financial Markets Journal, showcasing her thought leadership and expertise in the financial domain.

In her various roles and extensive experiences, Bianca Botes brings to the fore a wealth of knowledge and expertise, drawing upon her robust education, qualifications, and unwavering commitment to the realms of growth and leadership in the financial landscape.