NEWFin, the Network of Ethiopian Women in Finance, is excited to announce the launch of the Young Women Development Program (YWDP). This groundbreaking initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders within the financial sector by equipping young women with essential skills and knowledge.
Despite strides made in financial inclusion, women occupy only 12.66% of management positions within Ethiopia’s financial sector. NEWFin seeks to bridge this gap by advocating for gender equality, offering career development opportunities, and nurturing a supportive community for women.
NEWFin is dedicated to empowering women in Ethiopia’s finance sector through a multi-faceted approach. Our mission focuses on fostering a supportive environment, promoting professional growth, and advocating for gender parity. Through networking, mentorship, and advocacy, we aim to enhance women’s representation in leadership positions and ensure they have equitable access to financial services, which ultimately contributes to the economic empowerment of women in Ethiopia.
At NEWFin, we are committed to the professional and personal advancement of women in the finance industry. Our comprehensive framework includes training sessions, workshops, and career development programs designed to promote a culture of continuous learning and growth. In collaboration with esteemed local and international institutes, our initiatives equip women with the skills and knowledge necessary for their professional journeys.
Our approach includes several key initiatives. We conduct seminars on work-life balance and goal setting, which help women effectively manage their personal and professional lives. Additionally, we engage in research and development concerning flexible work policies to meet the evolving needs of women in finance. We are also piloting innovative work models to support career progression through flexible work arrangements. Furthermore, we have launched mentorship programs to create an encouraging environment where women can thrive and advance in their careers.
The program begins with three weeks of intensive training on banking and leadership fundamentals, delivered by both international and local trainers. Following this, self-paced learning modules will be provided over the course of one year to further develop skills in the banking sector and increase the pool of qualified talent.
In partnership with various banks, NEWFin is currently training over 234 young professionals (YPs). This training program comprises both classroom sessions and self-paced learning. Upon completion, participants will receive certification and ongoing mentorship to support their career growth. The classroom training is divided into two parts: leadership and the business of banking.
In the business of banking segment, participants will gain a holistic understanding of how banks operate, explore various opportunities within different banking sectors, and appreciate the differences in business models, strategies, and risk profiles of various lending institutions. They will also learn about organizational structures within banks and the financial and non-financial risks associated with different banking activities, alongside insights from senior managers in the industry.
The leadership component emphasizes empowering young female professionals in the financial sector. Topics covered include time management techniques, communication mastery, customer relationship management, negotiation skills, emotional intelligence, business etiquette, entrepreneurship skills, and effective presentation techniques. Participants will also engage in self-assessment of leadership styles, personal branding, and navigating gender dynamics in the financial industry, and sustainable work-life integration.
We encourage banks that have not yet participated in this training program to register and enroll their young professionals in this invaluable training, facilitated by internationally acclaimed trainers.
