Women and Men in Canadian Capital Markets: An Action Plan for Gender Diversity

Despite more than a decade of concerted advocacy and good intentions by the industry, women continue to struggle to break through the senior leadership ranks in Canadian Capital Markets- and into the industry. According to Women and Men in Canadian Capital Markets: An Action Plan for Gender Diversity, released at a Women in Capital Markets luncheon, Catalyst found the informality of male-dominated networks, the fact that poor managerial skills are too easily overlooked and the persistent stigma around work-life balance continue to impact women's advancement.

• Women in the industry are excited about and committed to their careers, yet some industry leaders still hold perceptions that women are less committed, lack initiative or do not have the mettle for leadership.
• The majority of men at all levels are able to point to sponsors that have supported their careers, while women struggle to identify sponsors or mentors who can help them successfully navigate their careers in Capital Markets- resulting in slower advancement for women and fewer female women role models at the top.
• A 'badge of honour', face time culture creates unsustainable expectations that keep some talented, high performing women -and men - from staying in the industry.
• While the industry has made increasing efforts to attract more women, there is a gap between Human Resources' intentions to drive gender diversity and talent management and how these policies are understood by both male and female professionals.

• Generate buy-in for the business case for gender diversity among all employees: Creating a gender-diverse and inclusive industry results in better engagement, retention and profitability. Promote the vital link between gender diversity and business results amongst all employees.
• Test assumptions about women's abilities or commitments to their careers:  Invest in high-potential women via sponsorship, networks and programs.
• Invite men at all levels to co-develop the strategy: Get men's perspectives and participation for lasting success.  Increase men's awareness and trust to advocate for women in leadership positions.
• Implement extra scrutiny at critical decision-making junctures, such as during hiring, delegation of assignments and promotions:  Reduce the potential for unconscious stereotyping and ensure that women get their fair share of opportunities to be tested and trusted.
• Adopt zero-tolerance towards inadequate people management:  Hold individuals accountable for talent results and insist leaders develop their talent stewardship, sponsorship and mentorship skills.
• Promote the industry to a broader pool of women, and establish gender-neutral recruitment and selection methods:  Build awareness and promote the benefits of a career in Capital Markets for women through informal relationships, traditional media channels, and partnerships with universities.
• Engage senior leaders as role models for work-life effectiveness and valuing results over face-time and long hours:  Optimizing team-based work processes that meet high performance industry standards and employee performance and life needs.
• Recognize the high cost of turnover and implement career path flexibility as a core element for retaining top talent:  Develop progressive and standardized leave polices and stay connected to women on career breaks and create ways for them to re-enter the industry.

(from the press release)