Workshop champions women’s voices in economics and finance
The University of St Andrews Business School hosted a one-day workshop, Inspiring Women in Economics and Finance, on 26 September. Funded by the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) project fund, the event supported around 30 undergraduate and postgraduate women to build networks, find mentors and explore leadership pathways in economics and finance. It aimed to encourage more women to pursue further study in these fields and, in turn, help address the gender imbalance that persists at postgraduate and senior levels.
Dr Erven Lauw, Lecturer in the Business School’s Department of Economics and lead applicant for the EDI project fund, conceived of and led the event. She collaborated with Dr Maria Chiara Iannino, Lecturer in the Department of Finance and Dr Margherita Negri, Lecturer in the Department of Economics, as co-applicants and co-organisers. Together, they designed a programme that addressed the persistent under-representation of women in the field and encouraged participants to consider how inclusive learning environments can drive equity and success.
Dr Lauw said:
“We wanted to create a space where women could connect with mentors, hear honest stories about career paths and see how diverse experiences strengthen our field. We also hoped to encourage more women to consider further study in economics and finance, so they can go on to shape the discipline at senior levels. The enthusiasm and openness of the participants showed how powerful that sense of connection can be.”
Dr Iannino added:
“What made this event so powerful was the diversity of voices and experiences in the room. Our speakers came from diverse backgrounds and career paths, yet shared a common message of resilience, passion and purpose. They spoke about challenges as well as successes, and students could picture themselves in those role models.”
Dr Negri reflected:
“The level of engagement and curiosity was inspiring. It reminded us that change happens not only through policy but also through personal encouragement and shared experiences.”
The event opened with a welcome address from Professor Mark Brewer, Dean of the Business School, who expressed his support for initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
Professor Sarah Smith OBE from the University of Bristol delivered the keynote. A recipient of the Royal Economic Society Medal for Services to the Economics Profession and founder and co-chair of Discover Economics, she shared insights from her work to widen participation. She said: “It was a privilege to be part of such an uplifting and inspiring event. I hope that by telling our stories, as more senior women in economics and finance, we can help younger women to find their place in the field. On the evidence of the questions and discussions that were taking place, I think the future for economics and finance is looking very bright.”
The programme also featured talks from Dr Gemma Bone-Dodds of the Scottish National Investment Bank, Dr Margaret Leighton, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Ms Sarah Vella, a doctoral researcher affiliated with both the University of St Andrews and the University of Barcelona. Participants joined small group discussions that encouraged deeper engagement and peer learning.
Feedback from attendees was strongly positive. Many participants reported a greater interest in pursuing further study or careers in economics and finance and said the event had challenged perceptions of gender suitability in the field. Several expressed a desire for more opportunities to meet mentors and role models through future Business School initiatives.
The workshop reflects the School’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and its ambition to create an environment where all students can thrive and contribute to the future of the discipline.