Women actuaries continue to face challenges with regard to gender diversity, equity, and inclusion. Barriers vary depending on the workspace, but common elements include a lack of senior mentors and sponsors, a low reflection of gender representation in senior management, and an exclusionary work culture.
While some promising trends show that more women are bringing their skills and voices to the actuarial profession, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) recognizes that there is still work to be done. To that end, the CIA is proud to release Women in the Actuarial Profession – How to increase gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in the actuarial workplace in alignment with International Women’s Day.
Based on findings from a focus group of women actuaries from various backgrounds, the guide outlines the challenges facing women in the actuarial profession and offers practical strategies to improve the working environment for women and to encourage opportunities for their career growth.
“The CIA believes strongly in reducing barriers and providing equitable opportunities for growth for all our members,” says Jacqueline Friedland, FCIA, CIA President. “We believe our actuarial employers, industry partners, and individual members will find this guide helpful as they assess their own employment practices and organizational culture through a diversity lens.”
The CIA is also celebrating International Women’s Day with a special episode of its Seeing Beyond Risk podcast on how actuaries are working to #BreakTheBias.
Enjoy the thought-provoking reflections and future aspirations for a gender-equitable profession in this new episode featuring CIA members and special guests, including:
- Jennifer Gillespie, President of the Society of Actuaries
- Louise Pryor, President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries
- Yvonne Lynch, Chief Executive of the Society of Actuaries in Ireland
- Johanne Papillon, an FCIA with 30 years of experience in the profession
