Sitting Pretty at the Top

With women representing less than 30% of the Lebanese labor force (despite over 50% having a university degree), one could be excused for assuming that the traditionally male dominated world of finance would be the last bastion to fall under the onslaught of career-minded females. Yet over the years more and more competent women are forcing a change in the traditional mindset. “It’s harder for women in this business, especially in the Arab world, where there is a tendency to take women less seriously,” Roula Habis, a funds and products desk manager at Financial Funds Advisors, says. “It’s a man’s world so you have to be tough to be in it, but women can compete and they have proven themselves to be good managers. The industry is changing, notably because you’ve had several successful women who have proven themselves. This has helped change mentalities.” Despite being one of only four