“Diversity is being invited to the party - inclusion is being asked to dance!”

The event was opened by Rick Torken, UK Country Executive, ABN AMRO, who stressed the importance of diversity and inclusion within the workplace and addressed the much needed call to action for accelerating gender parity. 

Panel moderator, Pat Roberts, UK Corporate Banking Coverage, ABN AMRO introduced the panellists: 

• Marion Murphy – Global Head of Trade Finance, BP Oil International Ltd

• Heather Swanston – Partner, Head of UK Refinancing and Restructuring,  PwC

• Dr Catherine Raines – CEO, Association of Foreign Banks• Delphine Amzallag –  Global Director, Prime, ABN AMRO Clearing

• Zafar Khan – Head of UK Coverage, ABN AMRO 

• Jasper Dikker-Hupkes – Head of Global Markets UK, ABN AMRO  

They addressed how best to combat stereotypes, the vital role men play in promoting and sponsoring women, the debate around quotas and the Gender Pay Gap, the contribution diversity brings to delivering business success as well as advice around ‘awkward’  comments and encounters in the workplace.   

“It was very useful, as the panel discussed not only our industry, but society as a whole and spoke about how people themselves can make changes which ultimately can aid their careers,” said Aislinn Sonneveld, UK Corporate Coverage Analyst at ABN AMRO. 

Peter Elleman, Managing Director for Loan Markets at ABN AMRO said: “I was impressed by the quality of the panel and the open constructive discussion which led to a great floor session. There was a clear message to support the growth and development of all staff in an inclusive environment.”

About IWD

International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. 

International Women's Day (IWD) has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. 

Photograph above: Delphine Amzallag, Pat Roberts, Dr Catherine Raines, Jasper Dikker-Hupkes,  Heather Swanston (descriptions above)Photograph left: Marina Shevtsova, Chief Financial Officer, ABN AMRO UK Branch