SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, Oct. 20, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Almas Jiwani, CEO of the Almas Jiwani Foundation and a global voice for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, discussed the powerful role of women in financial institutions, and how they are breaking the glass ceiling in today’s interconnected economy on October 10th, 2018. Almas Jiwani spoke at Scotiabank’s Women in Middle Management Group event held at prestigious Scotiabank Headquarters (former US Embassy) in San Salvador.
"Equity equals prosperity. Women need increased access to education to equip them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Women also need equal access to markets so they can make a greater impact on the economy at local, national and international levels. Breaking these barriers means breaking the glass ceiling, and women and their communities will ultimately prosper,” said Jiwani.
"At Scotiabank we promote the empowerment of women, which is why our current workforce is composed of 59% of women, 39% of whom lead senior management positions.
One of our priorities is to develop leaders who reflect our customers and employees. Increasing the representation of women in leadership roles involves a continued focus on identifying and developing women at the senior management level,” said Lazaro Figueroa, President of Scotiabank El Salvador.
“By inviting Almas Jiwani to share her experiences and raise awareness of the challenges women still face today in the workplace, Scotiabank reaffirms its commitment to women's empowerment, highlighting the positive impact of gender equality in economic and social growth," added President Lazaro Figueroa.
"Women’s leadership and political participation are often restricted, due to a lack of financial resources, a lack of confidence, socially constructed barriers such as domestic and familial obligations, and fear of social ostracism. The time has come to pave a new road to economic prosperity with gender equality as its foundation. We need to remember that by advocating for women’s rights and empowering women to succeed, we will all reap the benefits," Jiwani added.
About the Almas Jiwani Foundation
The vision of The Almas Jiwani Foundation is to empower women, girls and marginalized communities through focused projects that directly address disparities in equality, education, entrepreneurship and energy rights. The Foundation aims to bridge inequalities through the fostering of relationships among the various actors and stakeholders in global issues, and provide a platform for discourse and action.
Contact information
Almas Jiwani Foundation
Nicole Mankinen
VP, Communications and International Development
info@almasjiwanifoundation.org
www.almasjiwanifoundation.org
Scotiabank El Salvador
Juan Andres Granadino
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
(503) 2234-4422
juan.granadino@scotiabank.com.sv
scotiabank.com.sv