March 8, 2023 (Toronto) – How can institutional investors drive progress toward gender equality? In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, the International Centre for Pension Management (ICPM) and Women in Capital Markets (WCM) invited pension fund leaders from around the world to reflect on meaningful and practical ways to embrace equity.

The recording features a frank and unedited conversation with Rachael Le Mesurier (New Zealand Superannuation Fund, Head of Diversity, Equity Inclusion, New Zealand), Alison Loat (OPTrust, Senior Managing Director, Sustainable Investing and Innovation, Canada), Michelle Ostermann (PSP Investments, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Capital Market Investments, Canada), Matilde Segarra (APG, President/CEO, United States), and Lara Zink (Women in Capital Markets, President & CEO, Canada).

Michelle Osterman, ICPM Board Vice-Chair, says: “It’s clear that pension funds around the world are starting to prioritize these conversations – not only for International Women’s Day, but also year-round. As we discuss in the recording, it’s going to be a long journey to achieve equality. But it’s encouraging to see that leaders are using their roles as institutional investors to make progress around diversity, equity, and inclusion in their own organizations as well as the broader investment community.”

Listen to the discussion for insights on:

• How organizations can centre equity in their policies, practices and culture to reduce inequities;
• The role diversity can play in fostering resilient leaders who can successfully navigate times of crisis and uncertainty;
• The role of institutional investors, and the tactics, toolkits, and collaborative vehicles they can leverage in both public and private equity;
• The benefits of integrating sustainability across every aspect of an organization and moving away from sustainable investing as a role traditionally held by women.

The International Centre for Pension Management (ICPM) is a global, research-based network of asset owners that stimulates leading-edge thinking and practice about pension management. ICPM focuses on fostering long-term investing, strengthening governance of pension investments, and improving design and governance of pension schemes. For more information about ICPM in-person and online events – many of which are open to non-members – and research initiatives, please visit www.icpmnetwork.com.

WCM (Women in Capital Markets) works to accelerate equity, diversity and inclusion in the Canadian finance industry in partnership with major Canadian bank-owned dealers, independent and foreign dealers, asset managers, insurance firms, major pension plans, regulatory agencies, exchanges, and advisory firms. As a not-for-profit founded in 1995, our community has grown to 3,700 professional and student members, and our initiatives have impacted the careers of countless students and professionals across the country. To learn more, visit wcm.ca.

Media Contact: Jamie MacLean – communications@icpmnetwork.com