By Susana Laulu, Program Director, PASAI

A notable increase in women in the accounting and auditing professions signals a broader societal shift towards gender inclusivity. Factors contributing to this change include mentorship programs, diversity and inclusion policies, professional development, educational outreach and advocacy for workplace flexibility. However, challenges continue to impede professional growth for women in audit through gender disparities, stereotypes and unconscious bias. [1]

Building on the success of the Governance and Leadership Women Symposium held in Samoa this February, we established a Community of Practice (CoP) for PASAI Women in Audit to continue conversations about the opportunities, barriers and emerging issues impacting the progress and growth of women working in our SAIs.

At last month’s online meeting, CoP members discussed the purpose, goals and rules of engagement of this group. There was unanimous agreement for this CoP to be a:

• member-led community, by women, for women

• safe and supportive online environment for PASAI Women in Audit to meet, encourage and inspire each other

• platform to nurture, mentor and accelerate the advancement of mid-level and emerging women leaders in audit.

Respect and trust are core values of this group.

Topics of interest for group discussion this year include:

• leadership styles

• adapting to change in the profession

• benefits of mentorship

• flexible working arrangements

• advocacy for gender-based issues, including responding to unconscious bias and supporting equal opportunities for men and women

• professional development opportunities in audit.

The CoP for PASAI Women in Audit plans to meet online for an hour on the first Wednesday of the month. Female SAI staff are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and experiences, and take turns chairing the sessions. As a COP “by women, for women” I will be here to walk alongside the SAIs as they step out to take turns leading our sessions.

Our next CoP for PASAI Women in Audit will take place online on Wednesday 4 September. We thank the female leaders of SAI Samoa for leading this session, which will explore strategies for women to effectively manage work–life integration.

I am excited to see the impacts of this community for our women and the resulting improvement in governance, accountability, transparency and integrity that this community will influence. We are committed to promoting gender equality and inclusion through our Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) program. The Women’s CoP is just one of its key activities.

References

[1] Asuzu, O.F.: “Women in accounting and auditing: A review of progress, challenges and the way forward”, Finance and accountancy Journal, (6) (2), 2024