Sexism in the City; Nishma Gosrani

In the heart of London’s financial district, Nishma Gosrani OBE Bains, Financial Director, stands as a beacon of progress. Her unwavering commitment to dismantling gender barriers and bridging the pay gap has transformed the landscape of the financial industry. Let us delve into the remarkable journey of this trailblazer.

Tackling Sexism in the City:

The Fight for Change with Nishma Gosrani OBE

It’s 2025, and yet women working in London’s financial district are still facing what can only be described as shocking levels of sexual harassment and bullying. In a recent report by MPs, the Treasury Committee highlighted that despite some progress, efforts to tackle sexism in the City are moving at a “snail’s pace.” Even though there have been small improvements since 2018—such as a slight increase in female representation in senior roles and a marginal reduction in the gender pay gap—the pace of change is painfully slow.

For women trying to build careers in this industry, the report made it clear that the “era of impunity” must come to an end, and both employers and the government must take greater responsibility to create an environment where women can thrive without fear of discrimination or harassment.

The Rise of Nishma Gosrani in Bains company

Nishma’s story is one of resilience and vision. Armed with financial acumen and a passion for equity, she embarked on a mission to challenge the status quo. As the first woman to hold the position of Financial Director at a major financial institution, Nishma faced skepticism and bias. Yet, her determination fueled her ascent. >Bain<

Pioneering Gender Pay Gap Reporting

The Catalyst for Change: Why Nishma Gosrani Co-Founded Sexism in the City

Nishma's journey into activism began in a deeply personal way. Like many women in the financial sector, she found herself navigating a landscape where inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, and sexism were simply part of the culture. But it was the constant silence around these issues that motivated her to act.

In 2019, after working in finance for several years, Nishma co-founded Sexism in the City, a grassroots movement that aims to expose the systemic sexism that continues to plague London's financial district. The group is all about creating a safe space for women to share their experiences, offering solidarity, and demanding a cultural shift that puts an end to everyday harassment.

Nishma's frustration was palpable:

"Women in the City are still being silenced. They're made to feel as if their voices don't matter, and they're conditioned to accept unacceptable behaviour because that's just the way it is,” she says. "That acceptance is what we’re trying to change. It's time to make some noise and start holding the industry accountable."

Sexism in the City isn’t just about calling out bad behaviour. It’s about creating real, tangible change. By sharing personal stories, advocating for stronger policies, and pushing for systemic reforms, Nishma and her co-founders are challenging the status quo and demanding a seat at the table for women. It’s about shining a light on the issues that have been swept under the rug for far too long and ensuring that women feel empowered to speak out without fear of retaliation.

Nishma’s pivotal role in pioneering gender pay gap reporting cannot be overstated. She recognized that transparency was the catalyst for change. Armed with data, she presented a compelling case to the UK Treasury. Her paper outlined the stark disparities in pay between men and women within financial organizations. Nishma’s research was meticulous, her arguments irrefutable. The Treasury listened, and her recommendations were not only accepted but also integrated into policy.

>Sexism in the City Report<

Treasury’s Commitment to Equality

The HM Treasury’s Gender Pay Gap Report 2021 to 2022 bears witness to Nishma’s impact. It reveals a concerted effort to narrow the gap. The median pay gap has decreased, and the bonus gap now favors women. Within the core Treasury department, Nishma’s influence is evident. The mean gender pay gap may have slightly increased, but the median pay gap has decreased significantly. In the lowest pay quartile, women dominate, comprising 58% of the workforce.

Pay Gap Report

Striving for Balance: Nishma’s Legacy

Nishma’s legacy lies in her unwavering pursuit of balance. She envisions a financial sector where merit prevails over gender stereotypes. Her mantra—“Equal pay for equal work”—resonates across boardrooms and trading floors alike. Nishma’s leadership ensures that the future of finance is equitable, and her impact reverberates throughout the industry.

The OBE: A Recognition for a Relentless Advocate

In recognition of her tireless work, Nishma was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her services to gender equality and diversity in finance. But even this honour doesn’t stop her from pushing for more.

"The recognition is great, but it doesn’t change the fact that women are still facing harassment in the workplace. I want to use this platform to push even harder for change," she says.

Her work with Sexism in the City isn’t just about providing support to women in the financial industry—it’s about shifting the narrative around what’s acceptable in the workplace. "We need to stop thinking of sexism as a 'one-off' event or a personal issue," she explains. "It’s systematic. It’s structural. And we need to fix it at the root."

Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture

The reality is, until we address these issues head-on, sexism in the City will continue to stifle the careers of countless women. As Baroness Helena Morrissey, another key advocate for gender equality in finance, put it, "Shining a light on the problem is the first step. But we need to move beyond awareness to action."

“Empowering women in Finance, One Paycheck at a Time”

It's clear that while some progress has been made, the fight is far from over. But with dedicated campaigners like Nishma Gosrani OBE, who continue to lead from the front, we can take confident steps toward a future where women no longer face the barriers of sexism but are free to succeed, flourish, and lead in every part of the financial sector.

Nishma’s work with Sexism in the City is about ensuring that women’s voices are no longer silenced. It’s about holding employers accountable for the environments they create, demanding better policies and better support for women at all stages of their careers.

It's clear that while some progress has been made, the fight is far from over. But with dedicated campaigners like Nishma Gosrani OBE, who continue to lead from the front, we can take confident steps toward a future where women no longer face the barriers of sexism but are free to succeed, flourish, and lead in every part of the financial sector.

Note: This portrayal of Nishma Gosrani Bains is based on factual information available up to the present day. Her journey continues, inspiring generations to come.