By Dr Judith Kabajulizi
The gender gap in economics and finance begins long before university—it starts in secondary school. Recognising this challenge, Coventry University’s Women in Economics and Finance Network (WiEFN) launched a pioneering initiative to inspire young women to explore these fields by setting up specialised school clubs. Supported by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) Gender Grant, the project introduced Economics and Finance Clubs in secondary schools, creating spaces where students could learn, engage, and envision future careers.
The pilot program ran at Barr’s Hill School in Coventry from January to May 2025. Weekly sessions combined interactive games, quizzes, and guest lectures by female economists with hands-on experiences at Coventry University’s Bloomberg Trading Floor and Business Simulation Suite. These activities aimed to demystify complex concepts and show how economics and finance shape everyday life.
Findings from a survey of Year 12 students at Barr’s Hill School revealed that while 77% of students understood the link between subject choice and lifetime earnings, economics and finance were rarely seen as high-earning fields. The absence of A-level offerings in these subjects further limited exposure. Despite these barriers, the club achieved 38% female participation and generated enthusiastic feedback—students described the sessions as “fun” and “eye-opening.”
The project highlights the power of early, experiential learning in challenging stereotypes and broadening horizons. Female role models played a crucial role, demonstrating that careers in economics and finance are both attainable and rewarding. Recommendations for scaling the initiative include expanding to more schools, integrating modular resources into curricula, and establishing mentorship programs to sustain engagement.
As the world faces complex economic challenges, diversity in thought and leadership is essential. By investing in initiatives like this, we can build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline for future economists and finance professionals.
Join Us in Closing the Gap
Gender equity in economics and finance is not just an academic issue—it is a societal imperative. If you are a school, educator, or industry professional enthusiastic about shaping the next generation of economists and finance leaders, partner with us. Together, we can expand these clubs, provide mentorship, and create opportunities that empower young women to thrive in these fields.
📧 Get in touch: Dr Judith Kabajulizi (Assistant Professor) ac5175@coventry.ac.uk