This year marks the 10th anniversary of Fondsfrauen, which started as a networking platform for women in the asset management and investment fund sector and has expanded across the financial industry.
Ahead of International Women’s Day, Saturday 8 March 2025, Paperjam checked in with Manuela M. Froehlich, a co-founder of Fondsfrauen.
Fondsfrauen focuses on connecting women in the financial sector through networking and informational events, a mentoring programme and professional matchmaking in German-speaking countries (although the organisation is English-friendly). Altogether there are “more than 5,000 women active within the community,” including around 750 in Luxembourg. Froehlich is now based in Zurich but worked in the grand duchy from 2015 to 2020.
Aaron Grunwald: What are the biggest changes that you’ve seen in Fondsfrauen, as an organisation, over the past decade?
Manuela M. Froehlich: Since 2015, Fondsfrauen has grown from a small initiative in Germany to the leading career network for women in finance across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg. We’ve broadened our reach beyond asset management, attracting women across the financial sector. What started as a movement is now a driving force for change in the industry.
What are the biggest changes that you’ve seen for women working in the financial sector over the past decade?
Over the past decade, we’ve seen some progress: more visibility, stronger networks and a growing commitment. Companies are increasingly recognising the business case for gender balance, leading to more mentorship programmes, leadership initiatives and policy changes. However, while representation at senior levels is improving, the pace is still too slow. The conversation has shifted from ‘why diversity matters’ to ‘how we achieve it,’ and that’s where real change begins. There's still work to do, but the momentum is undeniable.
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Is it frustrating or disappointing for you that, despite all the progress that’s been made, we still need to mark International Women’s Day?
What’s frustrating isn’t that we still mark International Women’s Day; it’s that for many companies it’s just a PR vanity stunt. Real change isn’t about one-day campaigns; it’s about year-round commitment to equal opportunities, policies and culture. Actions, not slogans, make the difference.
Are there any regulatory or policy changes that you’d like to see enacted that could improve equal opportunities for women professionals in the financial sector?
More transparency on pay gaps and promotions, mandatory quotas in leadership roles and better parental leave policies for both parents. Real change happens when companies are held accountable, not just encouraged, to create equal opportunities.
Do you have any Fondsfrauen events planned in Luxembourg this year that our readers might want to attend?
Apart from our monthly networking lunches, we are planning three evening : one in spring, confirmed for 28 April, one in autumn, and one specifically for young talents from universities.