AFA Inspire Chair, Deborah Kent, said the response to the announcement in March this year by the AFA of the formation of the Inspire initiative has proved that women in the industry are actively seeking support networks outside the workplace. “In the first two weeks, the AFA Inspire LinkedIn group had over 200 members – so it’s clear the initiative is resonating within our industry,” she said.

AFA Inspire will enable women to access tools to help them succeed no matter what stage their development and career is at, or what area of financial advice they work in.

Ms Kent said the challenges women face in the industry extend beyond the workplace and the AFA Inspire program will help them network with other women, even clients, who may be facing the same obstacles. “Women have different needs to men,” she said. “Creating a community where the needs of women are met is most important and the AFA has done this through the creation of the AFA Inspire initiative.”

Ms Kent also said that from a client perspective, women are making more decisions on behalf of families and there are many single women looking for financial advice who may find it difficult to take the first step toward receiving advice.

“Encouraging solutions for these clients is also a key part of the AFA Inspire initiative.”

The launch event will provide an opportunity to celebrate women and help them whatever their role – adviser, para planner, support staff or BDM – to find their voice within the financial services industry.

“The AFA Inspire launch is open to anyone with a shared interest in addressing these issues, wanting to be part of a community – whether or not they are AFA members,” Ms Kent said.

“Attending the AFA Inspire launch event will allow individuals to be a part of this initiative from the start; to share the sense of achievement that comes from building a community and from nurturing new solutions to an old problem.”

Ms Kent said she hopes the launch event, and the connections women make through it, will give them the tools and attitudes they need to overcome challenges and devise strategies to enable them to better cope with demanding workloads and personal commitments.

The AFA Inspire launch will be held in Brisbane, than Melbourne and Sydney from 17-19 June. Seats are limited, to book your place, please visit www.afa.asn.au/events.

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