Women Gain More Ground in Mexico’s Banking Sector

May 10, 2017 2:50 PM ET

May 10, 2017 /3BL Media/  - Year after year, women's leadership and participation in the productive life of Mexico has been increasing, not only in sectors that have historically been dominated by them, but in areas where, until decades ago, their participation was considerably lower.

In statistics published in 2016[1] by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), it emphasizes that gender equality has been a priority theme for more than 40 years. That is why actions are being taken globally to eliminate historical inequality and to narrow the differences between women and men, thus laying the foundations for an effective equality among all. In this context, the commitment of the Private Initiative to this objective becomes more relevant than ever.

The Economic Census conducted in 2014 revealed that in the private sector of our country, there are about 22 million workers, of which 41.2 percent were women, against 58.8 percent men. He points out that companies offering financial services concentrate the highest percentage with 49.5, followed by trade with 47.7.

Scotiabank in Mexico proudly counts on a great female talent involved in decision making, some examples to mention are: Fuencis Gómez, Deputy General Manager of Banca Digital, Cristina Cacho, Vice President of Consumer Credit and Customer Experience; Beatriz Ruiz, Territorial Director of Bajío; Ana Cecilia Maza, Vice President of Marketing; And Rhina Torres, Director of Communication and Social Responsibility, who, thanks to their leadership, skills, personality and experience, have become a fundamental part of the institution's operations and ambassadors of Scotiabank's culture of inclusion and diversity in its different fields professionals.

"In order to advance the advancement of women, we have worked with seven initiatives, which seek to provide and take advantage of existing processes, programs and platforms to advance the careers of committed and talented women, improving women's representation within the group, Potential and the value they provide, "said Enrique Zorrilla, Managing Director of Scotiabank México.

He points out that since 2005, Scotiabank has developed a model of gender equity management in which men and women participate with initiatives in favor of diversity and inclusion. In addition, an internal campaign was developed to seek progress, not only for women, but for all employees.

In addition, the Canadian-based bank has undertaken pro-equity actions, such as: women empowerment courses, establishment of an internal professional and personal development network, and an internal diversity campaign.

Due to its actions in this area, Scotiabank has been recognized and awarded by different institutions, including:

• The Mexican Institute of Standardization and Certification granted Scotiabank the official recognition of the Mexican Standard for Labor Equality between Women and Men. This certification is given to organizations where policies show respect for equality, non-discrimination and equal opportunities between both genders.

• With consistent positioning in the Great Place to Work® ranking - Gender Equity

• The Labor Secretariat recognizes Scotiabank as a Family Responsible Company. This badge supports our work practices in gender equity, prevention, combating labor violence, sexual harassment and policies that favor our collaborators so that they can best attend to their family responsibilities.

The model directly benefits all employees through an improvement in labor practices, productivity and the working environment, so that we become a better company day by day.

With actions like these, Scotiabank adds to its commitment to gender equity, and promotes the development of all its collaborators without distinction of sex, age, religion or race.

[1] http://www.inegi.org.mx/saladeprensa/aproposito/2016/mujer2016_0.pdf