University hosts finance event for female pupils

The event included talks from women in the finance field

A group of female school pupils have attended an event aimed at getting more women into finance.

Around 70 students from five state schools across Reading participated in the event, hosted at Reading University's Henley Business School.

Activities included an interactive monopoly game, dressing mannequins in appropriate interview outfits, talks and seminars.

Emma Novak, a career adviser at one of the schools, said there was "a problem around women getting into this particular career" but events like Monday's can be "really beneficial".

Talks from inspirational women can be "really beneficial", Ms Novak said

The event was organised by associate professor of finance Dr Miriam Marra, and followed a single-school pilot last year.

Dr Marra said women had been making "significant contributions" to the finance field for years, but despite this, "gender bias, lack of representation, and unequal pay are issues that many women encounter".

"We [started] wondering maybe we should start talking a bit to the very young female pupils... who are pre-GCSE, because they're only 13 years old - to try to inspire them around the topics of business and the importance of finance," she said.

"We want to stress to our young guests that this field has plenty of opportunities."

Ms Novak said events like Monday's can help women get into finance

Ms Novak said there was an "issue" around women getting into finance careers.

"Hearing from inspirational speakers like we have done today that they can do it, the pros of it, the harder issues that they come across as well in a career like this, is really beneficial," she said.

The event was held with the help of Smart Works, a charity helping women get into work through career coaching and practical support, including with clothing.