More and more companies are prioritizing gender inclusivity in their workplaces, recognizing its notable contribution to overall business success. With equal employment opportunity policies and gender-inclusive cultures in place, enterprises are over 60 percent more likely to improve productivity and profit, according to a report by the International Labour Office (ILO).
This feat is opening many doors for women to thrive in their respective industries. Data shows that while there is still a lot left to be done in closing the global gender gaps in the workforce, more women are represented in the C-suite, increasing 17 to 28 percent globally since 2015. Locally, the number of female leaders in senior management roles rose to 48 percent in 2021 from 39 percent in 2020.
In an ever diversifying and gender-inclusive era, financial services provider and woman-founded company, Tala, invests in women as the key to accelerating socio-economic progress. This is reflected in its predominantly women-driven global workforce. In the Philippines, women make up 56 percent of Tala’s managerial roles and 71 percent of directorial roles. Increased female-focused perspectives lets Tala understand and problem-solve more about the customer base, which is 60 percent female.
Ms. Iona Iñigo-Mayo, Director for Global Customer Experience Operations of Tala, is one of the many women at the heart of the company’s operations. Her role requires her to oversee the entire Customer Experience, Recoveries, Vendor Management & Shared Services teams across all of Tala’s markets.
“Fintech is traditionally a male-dominated industry, but Tala as a company is proof that women can also very much be leaders and decision-makers in this field. We have fostered an inclusive and diverse workplace where each contribution is perceived and valued equally. In turn, this encourages more women to thrive in the organization and in their respective careers as well,” she said.
With more than two decades of experience under her belt, Iñigo-Mayo shared how inspiring it is to see more and more women mentors and peers across the finance and technology industries over the years.
“Regardless of the circumstances, I do not take anything for granted. As much as I can, I try my best to bring pride to my work not just because I am a woman or Asian or anything else, but because my purpose is to finish each race well,” she added.
On top of providing equal opportunities to its employees, Tala also offers various benefits and perks that can help women achieve work-life balance such as a Remote First work setup that allows employees to work from anywhere in the country, a flexible work schedule, and paid scheduled holiday leaves on top of personal time offs (PTO). Tala also provides a dedicated lounge for new mothers who need to rest and breast-feed during on-site office hours. Learning and engagement activities are also conducted to support their professional and personal development beyond the workplace.
Championing financial access for women
c According to its recent Global Impact Report, 80 percent of Tala’s women customers reported an increase in confidence due to having more financial independence. More than half of the interviewed customers also observed an increase in their influence on household decision-making because of Tala.
“It’s very fulfilling to know that we can help make a difference in the lives of our customers, especially sour women customers. When I see how our work is manifested in customer testimonies, team feedback, and business impact, the seemingly toughest of days make all of it worth it,” said Iñigo-Mayo.
Aside from providing financial services, Tala is also investing in women’s financial education through TALAkayan sessions with financial literacy advocate and money expert, Salve Duplito. This May, there will be a workshop specifically catered to women and mothers that will provide them the necessary tools to effectively manage their finances.
Tala aims to empower women not just this International Women’s Month but all year round by providing equal access to opportunities in the workplace and in life, enabling them to become the best versions of themselves for their family, community, and most importantly, for their own self.
