International Women’s Day 2026 – Meet Wanda Tomaszek
- Diversity and inclusion
In celebration of International Women's Day, we’re shining a spotlight on five of our incredible colleagues. In this series of profile interviews, we celebrate their achievements, gain their insights as women in the banking and finance industry, and ask them what this year’s theme #GivetoGain means to them.
What does International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme ‘#GivetoGain’ mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a time to acknowledge the progress we’ve made towards gender equality, while recognising there’s still work to be done. This year’s theme, #GivetoGain, resonates with me as it’s about raising each other up and channelling the strength of collaboration: by sharing our knowledge, experience and support, we empower more women to thrive personally and professionally, thereby benefiting society as a whole.
How important do you think representation is, and what more do you think could be done for women in finance?
Representation at the highest level, as we have at ABN AMRO, sends a powerful message about what’s possible for women in ABN AMRO and the wider industry. It shows that talent and drive, not gender, defines leadership and it inspires and enables other women to aim high. However, we must strive to ensure visibility of female role models across all career stages in order to attract and retain talent at all levels. I am proud that ABN AMRO is committed to championing diversity and inclusion.
How can colleagues and peers, regardless of gender, support a more inclusive environment?
Everyone can contribute to inclusion by actively listening, challenging unconscious bias and advocating for diverse voices in decision-making. Peer support can also mean offering constructive feedback and standing up for colleagues facing barriers. Small everyday actions, such as inviting different perspectives and celebrating achievements, can make a big difference.
What advice would you give to inspire other women to pursue a career in finance?
Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Seek mentors and allies who can provide guidance and encouragement. The finance and legal sectors need diverse perspectives to innovate and serve clients and society better and women have a huge role to play.