ABCUL Conference Re-launches Britain’s Global Women’s Leadership Network

Friday 26 January 2024

Last week, in Manchester, the Association introduced the GB Global Women’s Leadership Network’s (GWLN) Steering Committee Panel to ABCUL conference delegates, who spoke about the Network’s objectives for the years ahead.

The event was a significant milestone for the British credit union sector, and guest speakers included Deputy leader of Manchester City Council, Joanna Midgley,  CEO of Enterprise Credit Union, Karen Bennett and also GWLN’s Director, Eleni Giakoumopoulos. All three speakers shared their insight and experiences throughout their personal and professional journeys which have led them to become inspirational female leaders within their respected roles.

 “I was truly honored to represent GWLN and our work in the global credit union movement as part of the GWLN UK Sister Society relaunch during ABCUL’s AGM last week,” says Eleni.

“It’s exciting to see the opportunities which can arise from the growing system in the UK. More importantly, it was inspirational to hear from many women and emerging leaders about wanting to get more engaged and actively be part of the growth of the international credit union arena.

“Currently GWLN has more than 160 Sister Societies on six continents and the UK Sister Society is one of the growing number of GWLN Sister Societies in Europe that will strengthen our collective work to improve livelihoods for women and make impactful change for them, their credit unions and within their communities”

GWLN is one of the original diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives established in 2009 by the World Council of Credit Unions to provide women in the credit union arena a safe forum to discuss issues to further their professional and personal journeys.

The network aims to provide women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, their credit unions, and their local communities.

The steering committee for the British chapter is made up of five female credit union professionals from across the country, which include:

Ann Hickey – Wave Community Bank

Chris Canham – Hoot Credit Union

Ciara Davies – Metro Moneywise Credit Union

Julia Daniel – London Capital Credit Union

Ruskana Kauser – Calderdale Credit Union