“Boys club”: The realities facing female investment managers

Women make up just 17% of employees in investment management, so it’s particularly disappointing to hear that some of those who do enter the industry are experiencing gender inequality.

That’s according to new research from the Women, Work and Leadership Research Group at the University of Sydney, based on interviews with a number of women in investment management. The report, titled Non-traditional Investors, was released on Tuesday.

The report finds the ‘boys club’ is still alive and well across the sector.

One of the 124 women in direct investment management occupations surveyed said: “I got to the point where I couldn’t deal with the complete disrespect — just the culture, the attitude, the not being one of the boys. I don’t want to be one of the boys.”

More than one-fifth of respondents reported they had experienced offensive remarks or behaviour relating to their gender at work, and one in eight said they had experienced sexual harassment in their current workplace.

A lack of flexibility and a culture that rewards long hours over merit also came up as significant impediments to women’s progression. Read more

Angela Priestley - SmartCompany - 29 August 2018