Changing the rules of the game: Women, finance and participation

From pursuing a career in finance to managing money in everyday life, the relationship between women and finance is shaped by cultural barriers, and limited participation, but also new opportunities and a growing sense of self-determination.

These were the central themes of the event “Changing the Rules of the Game: Women, Finance and Participation”, promoted by the ICE – Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship Center at SDA Bocconi, with the support of eToro and the Women Care Association.

Throughout the morning, academics, professionals, and investors shared different yet converging perspectives and experiences, highlighting two complementary priorities:

• Making the financial sector more inclusive.
• Equipping people, starting with women, with the tools to manage their finances more consciously.

From a professional standpoint, as Elisa Basso, President of Bocconi Students Women in Finance, pointed out, many young women still struggle to envision a career in a field often perceived as competitive and distant.
Yet, she noted, “Skills often seen as typically feminine, like empathy and active listening, are actually strategic assets that bring value in terms of performance and innovation.”
This view was echoed by Professor Anna Omarini of Bocconi University, who emphasized the need to foster a more open financial culture, one rooted in collaboration and strengthened by the integration of diverse approaches.

The discussion underscored the need to increase women’s presence in the sector by making role models and career paths more visible so they can inspire the next generation and help close the gender gap.

At the same time, the urgency of improving personal financial education, particularly for women, emerged as a key issue: it is not just a helpful skill but a vital one for achieving greater economic, professional, and personal independence.

“Financial literacy is essential,” said Professor Gimede Gigante, President of ICE. “But data shows that young people, the elderly, and especially women are still behind. We must act with new, more inclusive tools.”
Maurizio Bernardo, Vice President of Women Care, also highlighted that far too many women still do not have their bank account, even though they contribute to the household income.

For many women, the most significant obstacle is not technical, but rather the social and cultural mindset: the internalized belief that finance is not meant for them. However, it’s essential to shift this narrative, and finance should be embraced for what it truly represents: a powerful tool for achieving personal freedom.

As Ilaria Luca, Investor Relations and Corporate Development Manager at eToro, pointed out, women still make up just 20% of global investors. Still, they tend to perform better on average, thanks to a more informed, analytical, and long-term approach.
This comes as no surprise, considering that many of the conscious decisions women make daily, from career choices to time management, are already a form of investment.
For finance to become more female-friendly, Luca said, it is essential to build inclusive communities—safe spaces where women can exchange experiences, seek advice without judgment, and build confidence.

SDA Bocconi School of Management

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