Clare Lombardelli, Deputy Governor for Monetary Policy at the Bank of England, has called for bold action to advance gender equality in the leadership of central banks across Africa.
Speaking at the Pan-African Central Bank Governors’ Conference in Accra, Ms Lombardelli said, “One area where we must be bold is in advancing gender equality in the leadership of our central banks.”
She emphasised that institutions reflecting the diversity of the societies they serve are “more effective, more innovative, and more resilient.” While acknowledging that initiatives to improve gender equality already exist in many African countries, she said the challenge is to “harness those initiatives; so that they improve and accelerate the pipeline of credible female leaders for senior leadership within central banks.”
Reflecting on her own institution, she noted that “At the Bank of England, our journey towards gender equality has not been a straightforward one, and while there’s been some progress, there remains much still to do.” She added that mentoring, sponsorship, and leadership development for talented women “helps us make considerable progress in this area.”
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The two-day conference, co-hosted by the Bank of Ghana, the Bank of England, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), brings together governors, deputy governors, and senior advisers from central banks across Africa. Ms Lombardelli urged participants to seize the opportunity for open dialogue, sharing lessons and experiences to strengthen their institutions.
“Whether you are a Governor, a Deputy Governor, or a senior adviser, your voice matters. The diversity of our experiences is our greatest strength,” she said, adding that the relationships built during the conference “can become the foundation for ongoing collaboration long after the conference ends.”
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Ms Lombardelli also acknowledged the teams at the Bank of Ghana and the Bank of England, as well as the British High Commission, for organising the conference, describing the gathering as “a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue, to learn from one another, and to forge stronger partnerships that will benefit our institutions and the communities we serve.”
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
