The Bank of Singapore Women's Network is dedicated to empowering and supporting female colleagues, regularly organising events and conducting training and mentoring initiatives led by both internal and industry experts.
As a woman working in the private banking sector, I am frequently asked to share my insights on the challenges women face in the workplace, particularly around International Women’s Day.
I feel fortunate to have worked in firms where everyone can excel, regardless of gender – firms that have embraced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and ingrained these values into their culture and practices.
Still, when it comes to economic participation, women have historically faced greater barriers. In recent times however, important strides have been made to confront these challenges and increase representation of women in positions of influence and leadership. Of course, more progress can still be made. Continued efforts to address systemic barriers and promote equality will be crucial in maximising the potential of women in the workforce.
At Bank of Singapore, we believe that a progressive and future-oriented world is one that provides access to opportunities for all, maximising the potential of every individual, regardless of gender. Our organisational culture embraces diversity, treats employees fairly, and ensures equal opportunities for everyone.
An initiative I would like to highlight is the Bank of Singapore Women’s Network, established in 2020. Dedicated to empowering and supporting female colleagues, the network serves as a platform for women to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Importantly, male colleagues who are committed to fostering inclusivity are also welcome to join the network and participate in its events.
In today’s climate of inclusivity, it is essential that mixed groups become the norm. This approach fosters open and honest discussions, providing male colleagues with a platform to actively support their female counterparts.
A personal view: My own approach to overcoming biases
Of course, it must be said that in any high-stakes field such as private banking, one will always face challenges. Throughout my career, I have encountered biases, although they have not always related to gender. For example, I once faced a senior manager who held preconceived notions about me based on my connection to my boss.
I chose to focus on my work and always did my best to display professionalism. Through consistent effort, I was able to change her perception, and she eventually became a friend.
I also recall a pivotal moment early in my career when I began managing a team in the United States who were much older and more experienced than myself. It was a daunting task to take on as a non-native English speaking young woman. Despite my fears, I decided I must approach this role with humility, engage with my team members individually, and learn alongside them as we rolled up our sleeves to tackle tasks together.
This approach not only helped me gain their respect but also built my confidence in facing future challenges. It strengthened my faith that facing tough situations is an opportunity to learn lessons in agility and resilience along the way.
Finding courage and strength in the face of challenges is essential, and I often draw inspiration from others. The role model closest to my heart is my mother.
Throughout her life, she faced numerous challenges and hardships, yet she never gave up. She came from a less privileged background, and her first husband passed away in an industrial work accident, leaving her to raise two young children in her 20s. She made wise decisions by using the compensation provided from the accident to purchase a small walk-up apartment, renting out a room to generate some income. Unfortunately, a few years later, the tenant committed suicide and burned down the apartment, leaving her to fix everything by herself. Ten years later, she married my father and had two more children, taking on a job at a factory to support our growing family.
Despite obstacles and what some might call a hard life, my mother approached every situation with tenacity and treating others with kindness, grace and respect. Her resilience is a testament to her strength, and it has shown me that adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth.
Breaking the cycle
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the incredible resilience and strength that women across the globe embody. It is a day dedicated not only to recognising the achievements of women but also to reflecting on the ongoing challenges faced.
Despite the strides made toward equality, there will always be people who cling to outdated and preconceived notions about gender roles, often rooted in deep-seated stereotypes and biases.
In my view, being true to oneself and having confidence in one’s abilities serve as powerful antidotes to these pervasive stereotypes. Like anyone else, by demonstrating one’s potential and capabilities through dedication, professionalism and tangible results, women can effectively challenge and change the perceptions of those around them. This process of proving oneself is not just about personal success; it is also about reshaping the narrative surrounding gender capabilities.
While I acknowledge that stereotypes can create barriers and foster limiting beliefs, I choose not to be constrained by them. Instead, I focus on my own journey, my aspirations and the work I am dedicated to pursuing. It has served me well and I firmly believe that gender should not define one’s potential or effectiveness in any domain.
It is my hope that leaders everywhere will continue to foster environments that embrace DEI to enhance the strength of our institutions. By doing so, we can create a legacy of empowerment that transforms the very fabric of society.
