A challenging world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day.
At Selby Jennings, we choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
From challenge comes change, we have an interview with Tricia Goh, Principal Consultant at Selby Jennings, Singapore, let's find out how she chooses to challenge.
What does the #ChooseToChallenge message mean to you in the Financial Services industry?
If there is anything that 2020 taught us, it's that we got to be ready to challenge and for change. As women, we face gender discrimination everyday especially when the representation is far lower than men in the finance industry. Choosing to challenge this norm is more important now than ever.
What sort of conversations around gender equality do you have with your clients and candidates in your role? Has Covid-19 had an impact on gender equality?
Global organizations are increasingly prioritizing gender diversity and embracing a more collaborative workforce. We are starting to see clients aligning their recruitment strategies and focusing on female talents.
Female talents are still concern about losing their jobs once they become new mothers - Pregnant women tend to face gender biases more than the general workforce, especially when they are interviewing for a job.
Returning to work post maternity leave is still a serious concern for new mothers due to the inflexibility of arrangements. A lot of mothers in the industry are still caregivers to their children and find it difficult to end work at such a late timing. Some of the mothers we speak to has raised concerns that they do not get to spend enough time with their children.
What role can recruiters play in challenging norms and creating change?
As a recruiter we can help to create urgency for gender diversity efforts - Global organizations are increasingly prioritizing gender equality and inclusion. It is our job to advice our clients that the finance industry is no longer just a man's world. It is also our job to consult clients to treat women who are expecting fairly during an interview. They should be judged based on their merit and not be discounted just because they are pregnant or have given birth.
What advice would you give to a company trying to create a diverse hiring strategy?
We notice that more women who are at a junior level leave their job compared to men. The reason is that they are at the stage of their life where they are starting a family. Because of so, I suggest companies should start incorporating programs focused on the retention of women and ways to support them on their return from maternity leave.
As a female leader, what advice would you give to other aspiring leaders in overcoming potential gender biases and achieving career success?
Your path is more difficult because your calling is higher, remember that. Overcome everything that was meant to destroy you.
There are also platforms like the Financial Women's Association of Singapore where they help to encourage young female leaders-of-tomorrow to seek career opportunities and advancement in finance through mentorship programs.
About Tricia Goh
Tricia Goh is a Principal Consultant covering Governance. Passion for women empowerment.
Visit other International Women's Day or Diversity & Inclusion related content