According to Rookaya Ahmed, Head: Legal at Futuregrowth Asset Management, there has definitely been a shift in mindset over the past 20 years when it comes to women working in finance. However, she believes there is still a way to go before women working in these types of roles are accepted as the norm. It all needs to start with improving our education system, she says.
Career Journey and Challenges
Can you share some key milestones and challenges in your career journey that led you to a senior position in the finance industry?
My career has spanned working at a government regulator, two top tier law firms specialising in Competition Law, spending a decade at the Old Mutual Investment Group, and now heading up the legal function at Futuregrowth Asset Management. Each place of employment has been a milestone, as I have considered every one of them a key part of my growth and strived to achieve being at that place specifically. None of these milestones were without challenges, from being a cum laude graduate who struggled to find articles due to racial quotas, to being too qualified and specialised, these have helped teach me patience, resilience and the fortitude to persevere to a senior position within the industry.
Gender Diversity and Inclusion
How do you perceive the current state of gender diversity and inclusion in the finance industry, and what changes have you observed over the years?
A slow work in progress. I will not discount the strides that have been made by many a female trailblazer in the industry, but I look forward to the day when a large number of females in finance (at any level) will be seen as the norm rather than an achievement. Around 20 years ago, finding a female banking and finance lawyer was near impossible, and this mirrored the general finance industry. For some reason, it was portrayed as being incredibly difficult (to study, practice and work at), and hence women were
steered towards easier fields. I am privileged to be a part of a generation that smashed those stereotypes, demonstrating that no field is gender specific. Whilst still not perfect, the shift in mindset has been the most positive change to opening up the industry to anyone with a drive and passion for it.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and personal life can be particularly challenging in demanding roles. How have you managed this balance, and what advice would you give to other women aspiring to senior positions?
By making peace with the fact that nothing worth having comes easily, and that a noteworthy career will entail a journey of juggling priorities, coupled with a tinge of sacrifice.
Mentorship and Support
Have you had mentors or role models who have significantly influenced your career? How important do you think mentorship is for women in finance?
Absolutely. Mentors are imperative for everyone, not just for women in finance. Life is a journey of constant learning, and mentorship is a key to honing what we are seeking to achieve on that journey. And my usual advice to senior people in the industry is that if you can’t find a mentor, be one! We all have something to teach.
Future of Women in Finance
What do you believe are the most critical steps the finance industry needs to take to support the advancement of women into senior roles? What initiatives or policies have you found to be most effective?
I am not a believer in special dispensations, but I do advocate for better access and opportunity. Advancement of women in finance starts at our education system, increasing access of children to acceptable standard of maths, accounting and economics, followed by universities introducing programmes supporting equal access to the field of finance. In practice, I have found that enforcing mandatory inclusion of females into certain financial sectors has ensured their participation, and it appears that this will need to continue until such time as the prevalence of females within the sector becomes the norm.
