If you were just about to start your career in a traditionally male-dominated sector, what advice would you give yourself? Women currently make up only 28% of the global tech workforce. So, on this International Women’s Day, 8 Onguardians, the real women in fintech, share their voices as an inspiration for new generations of women in the sector.
This International Women’s Day, Onguard has moved from commitment to action on gender equality, after our recent cooperation with UN Global Compact Netherlands and the resulting participation in the UNGC Target Gender Equality Accelerator programme. What does this mean? That we have developed a concrete action plan for the coming years, to increase women in leadership positions, address unconscious bias, and many more. |
But real change goes beyond action plans. It’s about people. So, on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025, we are passing the microphone to the wonderful women of Onguard:
“What advice would you give women starting their careers in the fintech sector?”
Debbie Staat, Sales & Customer Success Director, Management Team
“Seek opportunities in organisations that value diversity. Embrace continuous learning and adaptability. The fintech landscape is dynamic and rapidly evolving, so staying informed about technological advancements and industry trends is crucial. Join professional networks and find mentors who can guide and support your growth. Building relationships with other professionals, both inside and outside your organisation, can open doors to new opportunities and insights. Don’t hesitate to voice your ideas and say yes to leadership roles and opportunities. By being proactive, you can carve out a successful career path and inspire other women to follow in your footsteps.”
Mariline Hortencia, Support Engineer
Be confident and claim your space. Fintech is about innovation and problem-solving. Your perspective is valuable. Keep learning and showcasing your expertise. Let your work speak for itself and prove that women not only belong in fintech but also excel in it.”
Natascha Umans, Senior Account Manager & Sustainability Coordinator
“Embrace your journey in fintech. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. Your presence balances this sector, which should not be male-dominated. Find a mentor to guide you, and remember that tech is the future; it needs diverse voices, including yours. Look at our successful women from Onguard who are already making an impact. Just go for it!”
Denise Rossen, Event Manager
I would advise all women to build a strong network and make themselves visible. In fintech, where innovation is key, connections and knowledge-sharing are crucial. Attend events, engage in discussions, and seek mentorship both inside and outside your organisation. Showcase your expertise, and don’t shy away from taking up space. Stay curious, trust your skills and embrace opportunities to make a meaningful impact! You can do it!
Kimberley Dunki Jacobs, Customer Success Manager
Utilise your natural empathy to truly understand your customers’ concerns and goals. In fintech, where products and services can be complex, having someone who listens attentively and offers compassionate solutions helps customers feel supported, valued, and heard.
Anouk Bakker, Customer Success Manager
“Embrace continuous learning. Fintech is a fast-moving industry where growth and innovation never stop. I switched to the fintech sector 8 years ago and still have no regret. This sector is fast-growing and constantly evolving, which makes it very interesting to work in, not only at Onguard but also among our partners and industry peers. Stay curious, keep developing your skills, and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn. Most importantly, enjoy the journey. Fintech is full of great people and exciting challenges!”
Yvonne Hoerzer, Product Marketer
“Fintech is constantly evolving, and that’s what makes it so exciting, there’s always something new to learn, improve, and explore. Being close to the product, seeing how it evolves, and playing a role in its growth while improving it for our customers is what drives me. You don’t need to be a developer to thrive in tech, there are countless ways to contribute and make a meaningful impact because tech is a field that never stands still. That’s why it is so interesting, it never gets boring. Stay curious, embrace change, and keep growing with it!”
Christine Toonstra, Consultant
“As a technical consultant in fintech, I solve puzzles to help our customers with their software issues. It’s a practical and rewarding career path for women looking to make a difference!”
About the UNGC Target Gender Equality Accelerator
Following Visma’s example in 2022, Onguard became a member of the UN Global Compact Network Netherlands in 2024, officially committing to align its operations with the Ten Principles for responsible business practices and drive awareness in the corporate world.
One of the programmes under this cooperation is the Target Gender Equality Accelerator. For the past nine months, Onguard has followed a comprehensive course programme on gender equality getting to know real-life examples from other companies. During this training, we also took assessments and were able to identify areas of improvement.
As a result, we came up with a concrete action plan on gender equality for the next years. This aims to increase women in leadership positions, address unconscious bias, and many more.
| Did you know? -At the current pace, it will take 140 years to achieve equal representation in leadership positions. -Women in the labour market still earn 23% less than men globally. -Companies with diverse leadership teams are 25% more likely to be profitable. |
Do you want to know more about Onguard’s cooperation with UNGC and its actions for gender equality? Read the story here.
