P19 Female Empowerment #2

Financial independence does not happen by chance — it starts with awareness, education, and open conversations. These were exactly the themes at the recent P19 Female Empowerment Event, which brought together experts and participants from across the payments and financial services ecosystem to discuss the role of women in finance.

A key highlight of the event was the presentation by Doris Zingl from the Bankeverband who shared insights from a recent study on women and finance. The findings reveal an important and nuanced reality: while many women actively engage with financial topics, they still invest significantly less in capital markets compared to men.

The reasons for this gap are complex. Uncertainty, lack of financial knowledge, and in many cases limited financial resources all play a role. Despite growing awareness, barriers remain — and they have long-term consequences.

Financial decisions are not isolated moments; they shape entire life trajectories. Career paths that include part-time work, longer breaks from employment, or more conservative investment strategies can have a substantial impact over time — particularly when it comes to retirement security. The gender gap in investing ultimately translates into a gender gap in wealth and pensions.

This is why initiatives like the P19 Female Empowerment Event are so important. They create a space for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration. By bringing together diverse voices from the payments and finance industry, these events encourage women to engage more confidently with their financial futures.

The message is clear: we need more conversations about money, more accessible financial education, and more encouragement for women to take an active role in managing and growing their wealth.

A big thank you goes to all contributors and participants who made this event possible and meaningful. Their perspectives, experiences, and openness are essential steps toward a more financially empowered future.

Birgit Kraft-Kinz // Doris Zingl // Agnes Balazs // Leyla Farahmandnia // Ortrun Gauper // Veronique Haßler [何小薇] // KommRat Mag. Susanne Kraus-Winkler, MRICS // Petia Niederländer // Florentina Perschy // Anna Vyazmina // Celine Weckerle // Lisa Ziskovsky // Tetyana Kohansal // Svetlana Kanton

Photos (c) P19/Martin Darling