The Women in Finance Network is an initiative of CFA Society Perth to create awareness about the investment finance industry; provide clarity around the breadth and depth and opportunities available for a career in finance; and enable women to view finance and investment as a viable long-term career option.

Our goal is to directly influence the number of women in the finance and investment industry in Perth by developing a pathway that focusses on knowledge, education and experience. We will also seek to break-down some of the barriers that may currently exist for women entering the industry by highlighting to industry participants employment practices and policies that support gender diversity in the workplace.

This initiative seeks to promote women into the industry through support, sponsorship, internships, mentoring and education.

The 2016 CFA Institute study on "Gender Diversity in Investment Management" suggests strong business and values driven support for greater diversity, in which gender diversity is key.

Diversity matters because diverse groups of people bring different perspectives to problem solving. Industry participants now acknowledge the importance of gender diversity, and the importance of work structure and flexibility in attracting a diverse workforce.

The goal of the CFA Societies Australia National Diversity Committee is to achieve an initial 30% gender balance target across industry by 2027 to better reflect the gender composition of the community it represents. Ultimately, it aspires to see an industry that fully reflects the makeup of the community, that is 50% gender balance.

CFA Society Perth believes it can directly influence the number of women in the finance industry in Perth by developing a pathway that focusses on knowledge, education and experience.

The Women in Finance Network provides a strong network for women considering a career in the finance and investment industry, and an opportunity for women already working to build relationships that can help to further their careers.

WIFN is a forum that discusses issues associated with gender diversity; is a place for women to share experiences and career insight; to develop new skills; learn from successful women; and build relationships. The WIFN program includes:

• Large format events with high profile key note speakers and networking
• Small format mentoring opportunities
• Practical workshops
• Career insights and advice from experienced industry practitioners
• Internships at leading financial services firms and other firms in Perth

Join the Women in Finance Network to help push the finance and investment industry towards a responsible and inclusive future!