ICMA WOMEN’S NETWORK

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) is a not-for-profit membership association that promotes resilient, well-functioning international and globally coherent debt securities markets that are essential to fund sustainable economic growth and development.

For more than 50 years, ICMA has promoted the development of the international capital and securities markets, pioneering the rules, principles and recommendations that have laid the foundations for their successful operation.

With more than 620 members active in all segments of international debt capital markets in 66 jurisdictions globally, ICMA prioritises primary, secondary, repo and collateral markets, and their corresponding nexus with fintech and sustainable finance.

As part of its remit in the international capital markets, ICMA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment within the industry. The association drives forward a number of diversity and career development undertakings through a mentoring platform and dedicated networks such as the ICMA Women’s Network (IWN), which provides a global, impartial and open forum to encourage, support and inspire women at all stages of their career and to further the aim of gender equality in the bond markets.

Through a combination of live events and online content, IWN focuses on skills for career progression and hosts discussions on relevant issues between influential industry stakeholders. Networking is central to the offering, supporting links between colleagues of different generations and levels of seniority, helping to foster inclusion throughout the industry.

IWN was conceived among a few ICMA staff members around a meeting room table in 2014. It has since grown into a network of more than 4,000 individuals globally.

Since its launch, IWN has been a platform to discuss a variety of issues. These include how to develop resilience to handle difficult situations and setbacks, how to use social media effectively to build a personal brand, how unconscious bias can affect the way we work and network, how to repurpose ourselves and our skills to fit fast-moving work evolutions, the link between gender diversity and business performance, the stigma that exists around mental health in workplaces, and an exploration of experiences of working in a multicultural environment.

These topics remain relevant to many but other issues surface periodically and regionally. The positive impact afforded by IWN – of being part of the relevant conversation in a safe, dedicated space, on a global platform and among like-minded professionals of all genders – is very powerful for IWN’s members.

IWN has welcomed a range of speakers, from high-profile keynote speakers to panels of inspirational individuals who cut across the generational and professional divide, including a psychologist, a digital branding guru, a professional impact coach and a hostage negotiator.

IWN supports gender equality at global level: all employees of ICMA member firms are welcome to join. IWN also welcomes participation from all genders and ethnicities, acknowledging that broad participation is essential in achieving positive, sustainable change.

IWN is active in 14 regions: Asia Pacific, Belgium, France, Germany, Iberia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Middle East and North Africa, the Nordic countries, West Africa, South Africa, Switzerland and the UK. Each region is supported by an international steering committee member.

For details of the international steering committee member and latest event updates by region, please refer to ICMA’s website and social media platforms.

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