In a powerful address at the European Parliament ECON hearing, "Financial Services for Women, by Women," Aleksandra Mączyńska, Managing Director of BETTER FINANCE, highlighted the critical need for financial systems that empower women as investors, leaders, and decision-makers.
Her speech stressed the importance of tackling the systemic barriers that hold women back in finance and the economy, issuing a call to action for policymakers and institutions alike.
Financial education for women
During her speech, Mączyńska showcased BETTER FINANCE’s pioneering Invest for Better Climate EU campaign, an initiative that has brought financial education to women in Poland, Germany, Spain, and France. This campaign combines independent, impartial financial literacy with a focus on sustainability, helping women align their investments with climate-positive goals.
She also put forward BETTER FINANCE’s efforts in localising and translating the book Activate Your Money for four European markets: France, Germany, Poland, and Spain. Written with women in mind, the book demystifies complex financial terminology, outlines effective investment strategies, and provides the knowledge required to make informed decisions about ethical investments.
Pension gender gap
Another cornerstone of her address was the urgent need to tackle the pension gender gap, which averages 30% across the EU. Mączyńska highlighted that this disparity stems from income inequality, further exacerbated by systemic issues such as the lack of pension contributions during maternity breaks. She called for innovative solutions, including the promotion of the Pan-European Personal Pension (PEPP) and tailored pension schemes to accommodate women’s unique life journeys, particularly career breaks and part-time work.
Conclusion
Mączyńska concluded her speech with a compelling reminder: achieving gender equality in finance is as much an economic necessity as it is a moral imperative. Bridging these gaps could unlock trillions of euros for the EU economy, creating a financial system that serves everyone equitably while fostering sustainability.