Bridging the gap Continuing education is critical
Fact: Senior mentoring can fast-track career
development. But with fewer female representatives in a
variety of levels in retail banking, how do we bridge these
gaps? Druscilla points out: “A woman should not see
another woman as a competitor or a rival, but rather as a
colleague that needs to be supported and empowered.”
Muthoni agrees: “There is enough success for everyone.
If one person becomes successful, it does not mean that
the next person cannot be successful too.” The solution?
Ola suggests it is the responsibility of every woman in a
senior position to seek out and mentor the junior females
in their organisation: “Some organisations formalise
this process, but I believe informal mentoring adds the
greatest value.” “It is never too later to start,” Rebekah points out. In
recent years I myself returned to education, and what
struck me at the ripe old age of 29 was that somewhere
along the line I had lost my grip on critical thinking
and the ability to analyse on multi-dimensional levels.
Muthoni highlights that education challenges your mind
and the way you think through issues: “It would be
career limiting to think one way about an issue for several
years.”
Aside from brain training, education makes you stand
out. As Rebekah notes: “The world is becoming more
competitive and advanced, particularly in finance, and
education is key.” And above all, “education empowers
you so that you can empower others”.
Meg also believes that as women we never walk alone:
“We have a whole community that depends on us for
all kinds of support and that is what makes us strong.”
It is this sentiment that makes me confident and excited
about the future of women in retail banking. There is a
sisterhood of women who will always have your back. Fall
down seven times, get up eight!
Druscilla Admire Coker, ARBI - Head, Local Corporates & SME, Ecobank Sierra Leone Limited.
Empowered by: Mrs. Aina Moore, Druscilla’s Managing Director.
Olabosipo Sawyerr-Bassey (Ola), CRB - Customer Insights and Analytics Manager, Ecobank Nigeria
Empowered by: Her faith and Women in Business (WIMBIZ) Network in Nigeria.
Rebekah Angel Peachey, ARBI ACPPI – CEO, Zaneta Pay
Empowered by: Amal Clooney and Hilary Clinton.
Margaret Demba, (Meg) ARBI - Head of Service Support-Galleria, Stanbic Bank Kenya
Empowered by: The experiences and the success of others.
Muthoni Mutonyi, ARBII - Senior Manager, Digital Banking, National Bank of Kenya.
Empowered by: Her husband and her Manager, the MD of National Bank.
Jemima Sackey, CRB – Manager, New Business, Stanbic Bank Ghana
Empowered by: Strong females iwho have achieved something for their industry.
Brunilda Isaj, CRB - Senior Retail Banker based in Tirana, Albania
Empowered by: Margaret Thatcher and Michele Obama.