The Credit Union Sector Celebrates International Women’s Day

Friday 26 January 2024

Wednesday 8 March was International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The credit union sector is significantly ahead for female majority  at the most senior job level compared to the rest of the financial services sector. In 2021, ABCUL surveyed its membership and found a total of 60% of CEO’s or equivalent with female.

This year’s theme of #EmbraceEquity was celebrated by credit people around the world and ABCUL spoke with female leaders across the GB sector to learn more about their day-to-day challenges and opportunities in the movement:

Ciara Davies, CEO of Metro Moneywise Credit Union

If you could describe your experience of working in the sector in a couple of short sentences- what would they be? The best people, doing the best work.   We are lucky to work for organisations where we can make a real difference, and enjoy the flexibility that working in a small team brings, where everyone shares a common purpose which is to do the best thing by our members.   

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to be leaders in the sector? Leadership comes in all shapes and sizes, so be true to yourself and always speak your truth as your voice is as important as anyone else’s.   Also say yes to as many opportunities as you can as you never know where it might lead.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It’s a reminder that we still need an International Women’s Day, and that not every woman or girl is able to benefit from the same privileges I have, and have had growing up.   It’s also a reminder that we should never take those privileges for granted which is important for me as the mum of two young girls, in a world where it doesn’t always feel like equality for women is moving forward. 

Emma Norledge, Deputy CEO of Wave Community Bank

If you could describe your experience of working in the sector in a couple of short sentences- what would they be? – Working in the CU sector is a real eye opener. I discovered how many people across the UK volunteer giving their time to help others and how important CUs are to people – yet so many don’t know we exist.

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to be leaders in the sector? Within finance, I think CUs offer the greatest opportunity for women to excel and rise to the top. Across the sector there are many high-achieving inspirational women which gives other women more belief that they can fulfil their career ambitions within the movement too. Our senior management team are all women and we’re really proud of that.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? It’s an opportunity to shout more about what we achieve in all parts of society and our communities.

Jackie Hallewell, CEO of Sheffield Credit Union Ltd

If you could describe your experience of working in the sector in a couple of short sentences- what would they be? It’s been challenging, but at the same time very rewarding.  It’s a great opportunity to apply problem-solving skills and work with collaborative people who put people at the heart of their business.

What advice do you have for other women aspiring to be leaders in the sector?  Seek out more women at board level – we suffer from a deficiency here, and it can lead to unbalanced meetings.  Don’t be afraid to use your emotional intelligence because having a high-functioning happy workforce is a much more long-term indicator of sustainable success.  Use your position as a motivating factor for other women to achieve, and make sure you look for opportunities to build them up and aspire to greater things if they wish to.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?  It’s a chance to celebrate what women have achieved from a position of being behind.  It’s wonderful that men will celebrate this too – my son is one of my biggest supporters. 

Looking ahead to ABCUL’s Annual Conference on Friday 10 & Saturday 11 March, the Association will be re-launching the British Chapter for the Global Women’s Leadership Network.

This is a significant milestone for the British credit union sector, and Director of the Global Women’s Leadership Network in the US, Lena Giakoumopoulos will be speaking at the session, joined also by Councillor Joanna Midgley – Deputy leader of Manchester City Council.

“Everyone at ABCUL is supporting International Women’s Day.  This year’s theme of is a subject which the Association understand, value & embrace,” says ABCUL CEO, Robert Kelly.  “ABCUL continues to improve the representation of women at senior levels through its ABCUL Inclusivity Group and also we’re delighted to be re-launching Britain’s Chapter for the Global Women’s Leadership Network”