Lioness Star Jill Scott Aims to Inspire Women in Investing
Lioness legend Jill Scott is embarking on a new mission: addressing the gender investment gap. As a novice investor, she aims to motivate women to explore investment opportunities. Scott, known for her role in promoting women in football, wants to extend that influence to financial empowerment.
Jill Scott’s Call to Action for Women in Investing
After retiring from professional football in 2022, Scott reflects on her financial journey. Winning the UEFA Euro 2022 with England’s women’s team, she learned that many women share her struggle with investing. “I was a role model for girls to get into football. I want to be that woman now, that they can see investing,” she stated.
Understanding the Gender Investment Gap
Research reveals a substantial divide in investment patterns between men and women. Women often prefer safer investment avenues like cash ISAs, while men are more likely to opt for stocks and shares ISAs. According to Boring Money, the current gender investment gap stands at £678 billion, comparable to Switzerland’s economy.
- Women often perceive investing as intimidating, reinforcing myths that discourage participation.
- Over half of UK industry reports depict women investors negatively, labeling them as lacking confidence.
- Role models are vital for inspiring more women to engage in investing.
Scott has become the face of eToro’s “Loud Investing” campaign, which seeks to empower more women to invest. Dan Moczulski, UK managing director at eToro, emphasizes the importance of positive representation for women in finance. He warns that negative stereotypes can deter potential investors.
The Strength of Female Investors
Multiple studies, including one from Warwick Business School, indicate that female investors frequently outperform their male counterparts. Scott asserts that the same discipline and patience required in football are essential in investing. “The industry has focused too quickly on what women supposedly lack when, in reality, our approach is our strength,” she explained.
- Women often take a long-term perspective in investing.
- They trade less frequently and are more deliberative in their decision-making.
Jill Scott’s Investing Journey
Reflecting on her early career, Scott disclosed that she earned just £13,000 annually when she started with Manchester City. This contrasts sharply with the often higher earnings of her male counterparts. Over her nine-year career, she made 194 appearances for the club and represented England 161 times, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in women’s football.
Scott has embraced investing and intends to share her learning journey with others. She promises transparency, vowing to keep her audience updated on her successes and challenges through social media and her podcast. “I want to show that you don’t need a substantial amount of money to begin investing,” she stated.
Addressing Financial Education
Scott also advocates for improved financial education, noting the importance of teaching young people about investing, taxes, and mortgages in schools. She actively encourages her friends and family, including her nieces, to consider investing as a viable avenue for financial growth.
Through her partnership with eToro, Scott aims to empower women to bridge the gender investment gap. Her mission is to help women recognize their potential in investing, emphasizing that they can excel in financial arenas just as they have in sports.
