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Mahurangi-based debt-resolution service Debtfix used International Women’s Day earlier this month to challenge negative gender stereotypes related to managing finances.
“The numbers show women are more likely to experience financial hardship and have problems paying off debt, but this is less about our aptitude and more about life events,” Debtfix co-founder Christine Liggins said.
“Debtfix’s research shows broken relationships, caring for family or friends, and under-employment all have significant impact on New Zealand women’s financial stability.”
Mrs Liggins said other factors that hurt women were the gender pay gap, which continued to see women earn less than men, and the “motherhood penalty” – the systemic disadvantages women encounter in their careers after having children.
Mrs Liggins said women’s financial acumen was demonstrated by the big role they played in the financial services sector.
“FinCap’s newly-appointed chief executive is Ruth Smithers, ANZ bank’s chief economist is Sharon Zollner and ASB’s chief executive is Vittoria Shortt – all women,” she said.
