Two thirds of women working in fund management have experienced sexism at work, according to a survey by the FT.
The FTfm’s third annual Women in Asset Management survey revealed that the amount of ladies to have experienced sexism at work is up 65% from 2014. Furthermore, the amount of females to admit they have experienced sexual harassment at work has risen from a firth to a quarter since 2014.
Almost a firth of women said they have felt pressured to “exploit their sexuality in a professional context.” Nearly two-thirds said they believe men are paid more in similar roles.
FTfm surveyed 460 male and female staff worldwide with one senior male respondent telling the FT: “I worked for 12 years as a trader and portfolio manager. Sexism was always rampant. The habit of male bonding at strip bars is pervasive.
“One could argue that, strictly speaking, these are extracurricular activities. But when they routinely happen after a desk dinner, or after the closing dinner of a conference, it becomes clear that the camaraderie affects professional relationships in the office as well. Those men who choose not to participate in those male-bonding exercises are disadvantaged just as much as the women who have to deal with the more typically discussed sexist prejudices that exist in the office.”
Almost a third of female respondents said they have considered leaving asset management, as a result of how women are treated and because they do not feel comfortable discussing the subject with senior management.
Despite efforts from several asset management companies to make changes 42% of females said no progress has been made in the last five years and only a quarter said the situation has improved.
