Women in Economics

Women have a long and prestigious history in economics, pioneering the field and solving some of society’s greatest problems.

Economics and finance offer insights into many of the challenges that women face both in the workplace and at home. It provides frameworks to navigate, understand and address issues such as the lack of parity in pay, access to education, career progression and caring responsibilities.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, on 8 March, calls for us to embrace equity. Our latest Agenda podcast features a discussion on the topic between Anna Martin (Financial Services Officer at BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation), Dr Helen Jenkins (Oxera Partner), and Dr Karen Croxson (Deputy Chief Economist and Head of Research for Economic Data, Science and Behavioral Science at the UK Financial Conduct Authority).

Anna, Helen, and Karen discussed how financial inequality and the gender investment gap put women in financially vulnerable positions that can then be exacerbated by further challenges—such as the cost-of-living crisis and what policies, market changes, and other actions might help women to have more equitable access to financial markets and employment opportunities, and how barriers can be broken down to create change.