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As we transition from summer to autumn, we would like to take a moment to reflect on WIFA's achievements so far in this challenging year, while also sharing our plans for upcoming events. WIFA has remained steadfast in our commitment to empower women professionals, even amidst the current economic slowdown, job losses, and tightening financial conditions across Asia.
As we reflect on the first half of the year, many well attended activities were held for corporate sponsors and members. In January we launched the WIFA #EmbraceEquity Campaign. This was a unique opportunity to promote gender equity in the financial sector. In February WIFA organized a social event to celebrate the EmbraceEquity Campaign, to create a meaningful image showcasing #diversity between #genders while highlighting the collective strength of the WIFA team. In March we initiated our flagship Spotlight Series, a platform that recognizes strong future leaders and trusted decision makers who have made an impact in their career. We also paid tribute to Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day. And as a special celebration WIFA joined HKEX in their Ring the Bell for Gender Equality Campaign on March 8 to raise awareness on diversity and inclusion within the markets and our communities.
In April, we launched our flagship Mentor-Mentee Program (#MMP), which empowers women by connecting them with established male and female leaders in the financial industry. In May, we celebrated Mother’s Day by hosting a fun fitness program of yoga – prioritizing women’s health and well-being. WIFA was also honoured to bring together women leaders from across the Indo-Pacific for a forum to discuss how #WomenGreenTheWay when it comes to developing market solutions to finance Asia’s pathway to net zero. In June and July, the MMP and the ESG committees were hard at work organizing events. The MMP kicked off its networking event, with a wide range of #mentor and #mentee participants attending panels about mentorship.
Moving forward, the WIFA x RUN Hong Kong signature fitness challenge returns in October, with a warm up session to launch the event scheduled for September. And the ESG Series #PowerToChange will kick off a series of events starting this fall to provide insights from industry pioneers, thought leaders, and visionaries driving change in sustainable finance. The MMP will also be hosting social get togethers for all participants in the months ahead. By the end of the year WIFA will also choose new charity partners so we provide them a platform to make an impact on our community.
These events are just the beginning of shaping our future together. All of this is possible with the help of our highly dedicated Steering Committee members, generous corporate sponsors, and supportive members! We also encourage you to share with us your initiatives, so that WIFA can continue to support you (wifasia.org). We look forward to welcoming you to our future events!
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WIFA is excited to announce that Joint Dynamics, Hong Kong's favourite physical therapy and personal training studio, will be hosting an exclusive in-person warm-up session to help you prepare for the upcoming Fitness Challenge and provide valuable insights on injury prevention and achieving your fitness goals.
During this warm-up session, the experts from Joint Dynamics will guide you through proper warm-up techniques, share injury prevention strategies, and provide effective approaches to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to fitness challenges, this session will equip you with practical tips and guidance to enhance your performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Registration for the Warm-Up Session is now open, and we encourage all WiFA members to secure their spots early. To reserve your place, click on the registration link provided below:
Event details: Date: September 20, 2023 Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm HKT Venue: Tamar Park, Central Attire: Please wear comfortable clothing Bring: Don't forget to bring water to stay hydrated
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The WIFA x RUN Hong Kong signature fitness challenge in support of refugees will return in October 2023, allowing corporate sponsors to team together for fitness events to help this vulnerable community. Running for refugees will benefit the teams in improving wellness while enabling refugees’ journey towards resettlement and a more hopeful future.
To participate in the challenge, follow these steps: - Create a team of five with work colleagues or friends or sign up individually
- Join your Challenge Hound team (sent after registration)
- A one week virtual challenge to accumulate the most hours spent exercising collectively as a team and log the hours in Challenge Hound
- Engage your network and fundraise for RUN
- Compete against other corporate teams/individuals for the most collective hours exercised and funds raised
- Participates will receive an email update on their challenge and fundraising progress daily
- Win extra prizes with a photo challenge
The kick off session is scheduled for October 9 @6:30-8:00pm for an outdoor yoga session led by Carrie Chu at Tamar Park or a Waterfront run led by RUN coaches.
Event Details When: October 9-15, 2023 Where: Virtual - exercise anywhere and anytime during the week Who: Teams of 5 or sign up individually Cost: $2500HK per team or $500HK per individual Registration deadline: October 4, 2023 Registration Link: https://runhongkong.kindful.com/e/wifarun2023
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Recently, Hong Kong has experienced a record-breaking rainfall since 1884, with roads turning into rivers and traffic coming to a virtual halt. It is no longer possible to ignore the undeniable evidence that climate change is a present reality, and its most severe consequences include extreme weather events happening with alarming regularity worldwide. From typhoons to floods, earthquakes, and other catastrophic phenomena, these events cause untold human suffering and economic damage.
The connection between climate change and these extreme weather events is grounded in robust scientific evidence. Greenhouse gas emissions have caused global warming, which disrupts the Earth's climate system, leads to unpredictable weather patterns, and causes more frequent and intense weather events.
The human cost of these extreme weather events is immense, with hundreds of thousands of deaths expected each year between 2030-2050, according to the World Health Organization There is an urgent need to both mitigate climate change and adapt to its unavoidable impacts. It is a call to action for all individuals, businesses, and policymakers to take decisive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate-resilient communities.
This fall, the WIFA ESG Series will focus on the theme of "Power To Change" -- offering a valuable opportunity for everyone to learn more about how they can contribute to mitigating and adapting to climate change. These events feature a lineup of experts sharing their knowledge, insights, and strategies for climate action. By participating in these events, individuals and businesses can play a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while building climate-resilient communities.
As individuals, we can make a difference by making small changes in our daily lives, such as reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, using public transport or biking instead of driving a car, and consuming less meat. Meanwhile, businesses can take concrete actions, such as embracing renewable energy, adopting low-carbon transportation, and choosing sustainable sourcing practices.
This recent record-breaking rainfall in Hong Kong is just the latest example of extreme weather events resulting from climate change. Together, we can take meaningful action to mitigate and adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change. The ESG Series is a perfect opportunity to get involved, inspiring open discussions on how we can all contribute to building a sustainable future. There can be no doubt that climate change is the defining challenge of our generation.
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ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores have emerged as valuable tools in recent years, reflecting the growing recognition of sustainable practices among businesses and investors. These scores assess a company's performance across various areas, including environmental impact and climate efforts, social aspects, and corporate governance. The rapid rise of ESG scores and their integration into investment decisions is driven by a deepening awareness of the long-term benefits and opportunities associated. While acknowledging the progress made, there are opportunities for further enhancements in ESG scoring methodologies to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Standardization Potential: There is potential for greater standardization in calculating ESG scores, which would provide businesses and investors with more consistent and comparable metrics. Establishing widely accepted methodologies can foster a more harmonized approach across industries and facilitate better decision-making.
Materiality Focus: It is important to ensure that ESG scores prioritize factors that are genuinely material to a company's financial performance and long-term sustainability. By focusing on relevant indicators, ESG scores can better reflect a company's true impact and assist investors in making informed decisions aligned with their goals.
Objective Data and Transparency: Enhancing the objectivity and reliability of ESG scores is crucial. While some scores rely heavily on self-reported data from companies, efforts can be made to promote transparency and reduce potential biases or greenwashing. Incorporating more diverse data sources and independent verification processes can enhance the credibility of ESG scores.
Regulatory Frameworks: Critics highlight the need for enhanced regulatory oversight to ensure consistency and address potential conflicts of interest in ESG scoring. Advancing regulatory frameworks can provide a solid foundation for the ESG ecosystem, fostering confidence and trust among businesses, investors, and other stakeholders.
By recognizing the positive momentum surrounding ESG scores and addressing these areas for improvement, businesses and investors can further embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a more resilient and responsible global economy. WIFA will discuss this issue and related ESG topics in the upcoming #PowerToChange series this fall.
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Mentoring is an invaluable tool for personal and professional growth, and it plays a vital role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. A mentor can be a guide, a role model, and a trusted confidant who helps mentees overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals. But what does it take to be an effective mentor in today's workplace?
I have provided mentoring to several professionals within my organization and externally through the mentorship program. Through these experiences, I have learned that mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each mentor must find their unique style to connect with their mentees and bring out their best potential. However, there are some key personas that every effective mentor should embody to make a true impact.
Revealer First and foremost, the Revealer persona is crucial in setting the foundation for a productive mentorship journey. As mentors, we must build trust with our mentees through rapport, care, and faith that their passions and goals will be discovered over time. It takes patience and genuine interest in our mentees' development to uncover their strengths and interests and guide them towards achieving their full potential.
Boundary Setter Once we have established a strong relationship with our mentees, it is important to set clear boundaries. The Boundary Setter persona knows that trust can only be cultivated once expectations have been established. As mentors, it is our responsibility to communicate our expectations and the mentees' responsibilities, ensuring that we are both on the same page.
Questioner The Questioner persona complements the Revealer and Boundary Setter personas, as it encourages mentees to level up. As mentors, we must be able to ask thought-provoking questions that encourage our mentees to reflect on their goals, ambitions, and limitations. Authentic listening is also key to facilitating growth and achieving breakthroughs.
Challenger On the other hand, the Challenger persona is about pushing our mentees beyond their comfort zone. We must challenge them enough to spur their growth, but not too much that it scares them away. With care, we can turn these challenges into meaningful breakthroughs that empower them to aim higher and achieve more.
Navigators As mentors, we must also aim to be Navigators. The Navigator persona sets mentees on a productive path, but also recognizes that everyone's path is different. A great Navigator hones the ability to keep multiple pathways in mind, helping the mentee find the most effective path towards their goals.
Visionary Lastly, as mentors, we must strive to be Visionaries. The Visionary persona encourages mentees to dream big and helps them achieve their full potential. Through this persona, we show our mentees what they are capable of and inspire them to achieve their very best.
To make a true impact as a mentor, we must embody multiple personas, and the path from setting expectations and goals to tracking progress, to ending on a high note can be a fulfilling journey. As we continuously learn and evolve through our mentorship experiences, we can inspire upcoming leaders, helping them realize their potential and make a significant impact in their chosen fields. Why not look to mentorship as a way of paying it forward and making a positive impact in the world?
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| WIFA Spotlight Series: Patricia Slawinska |
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Patricia Slawinska, Private Sector Engagement Consultant at IOM, UN Migration
How has your WIFA experience changed your perspective on women in finance? Being part of WIFA, while not working in finance but in the philanthropic sector, has been a transformative experience that has broadened my perspective on women in finance. It has highlighted the immense talent, intelligence, and leadership potential that women possess in this industry. Witnessing the achievements and contributions of women in finance through WIFA has shattered any preconceived notions or biases I may have held about the financial sector and reinforced the importance of empowering and supporting women in their pursuit of success.
How has the increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the past few years impacted the financial industry, specifically for women? The increased focus on diversity and inclusion in recent years has had a profound impact on the financial industry, particularly for women. It has led to a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture, with many DEI initiatives where the unique perspectives and talents of women are valued and leveraged. Companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion have seen tangible benefits, such as improved decision-making, increased innovation, and better financial performance.
Where do you see the greatest opportunities for female professionals working in the financial industry? The role of female professionals in the financial sector cannot be overstated. Their influence extends beyond the economic and commercial realms, as they have the power to introduce transformative change for social impact. By leveraging their positions, they can advocate for gender equality, mentor emerging talent, and create opportunities for future generations. The strength, resilience, and innovative thinking of female professionals in finance are pivotal for driving positive change and shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.
How can transformational change in DEI within organizations be ignited and sustained, beyond a distinct period of time? To ignite and sustain transformational change in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations, a multifaceted approach is required. Firstly, leadership commitment is crucial. Executives must champion DEI initiatives, setting the tone from the top and embedding it into the company's values, policies, and practices. Secondly, fostering an inclusive culture is vital, where all employees feel heard, valued, and represented. This can be achieved through targeted training, mentorship programs, and employee resource groups. Lastly, accountability and transparency are essential. Regularly measuring and reporting progress, identifying gaps, and implementing corrective actions will ensure the sustainability of DEI efforts, especially in Asia. |
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| The MMP co-chairs are pleased to announce that the MMP July kick off event was a success and all participants have been partnered into a mentor-mentee pair. Each pair is from a different organisation within the industry, and were matched carefully based on work experience and expectations and goals. These pairs will meet in person and set their goals by September 16. WIFA extends a special thanks to all our mentors who have signed up and are taking the time to meet our mentees in person. We look forward to future events, covering coaching topics such as negotiation and personal branding, as well as networking opportunities.
We are looking for corporate sponsors who are interested in hosting upcoming events. Please do not hesitate to reach out to career@wifasia.org se we can start planning!
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| AmCham Women of Influence Awards |
| Now in its 20th year, the AmCham Women of Influence Awards celebrate the women, allies and organisations who push the women agenda forward and strive to make Hong Kong a more liveable place for people from all walks of life. Nominate those who inspire you now!
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| Join Doris Au-Yeung, a certified E-RYT 500 yoga teacher and NLP coach and Coco Alexandra, an award-winning Soul Coach, Mystic Teacher, Quantum Healer, and Best-Selling Author for an incredible retreat to support women in a safe and supportive space to grow and evolve into the most relaxed, grounded, and empowered version of yourself. The retreat will be held in Ubud, Bali on November 8-12, and all events are tailored so you can enjoy the experience, reconnect with yourself, and create new friendships.
Check out the link for details: https://www.dorisay.com/igniteyourinnerlight |
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| Our 2022 Supported Charity |
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