Why women can’t narrow the gender investment gap alone

It’s been four years since we first launched AJ Bell’s Money Matters campaign with the aim of helping women become more comfortable and confident with their finances in a bid to close, or at least narrow, the gender investment gap.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the gender pay gap, which plays a massive part in financial inequality, has fallen by over 25% in the past decade thanks to a mix of policy changes, transparency initiatives and advocacy.

But there is still a long way to go, especially with the ongoing adoption of AI in the workplace; a report by the United Nations’ International Labour Organization released in May 2025 showed roles traditionally held by women are more vulnerable to being taken over by AI capabilities than those done by men, especially in high income countries like the UK.

One often under discussed but powerful force for change is male allyship. This is when men actively support gender equality by using their influence, voice and actions to challenge systemic barriers and promote inclusive practices.

Despite many massive organisations scaling back DEI initiatives over the past year, in some cases saying the rule has served its purpose, in many organisations men still dominate senior leadership roles.

They have power to influence pay structures, promotions and hiring, and women can still be overlooked, undervalued or assumed to be less committed due to caring responsibilities thanks to a mix of unconscious bias and in some cases the use of AI reinforcing gender bias, something many organisations are wrestling with. 

When men become allies they can make a big difference, accelerating change, and challenging biased decision making however it comes about.

Lee Chambers started the organisation Male Allies after he spent time as a stay-at-home dad, suddenly finding himself the only man in a room full of mums and grandmothers.

He understands how uncomfortable it can be for men to speak out about equality, the concern from some men that their voice might dominate a conversation which should have women at the heart.

He’s also aware of concerns of a diversity backlash amplified by some on social social media.

Lee told the AJ Bell Money Matters podcast, “Women have made a lot of progress in terms of financial freedom and leadership in comparison to 50 years ago - obviously some other aspects of women’s lives have not accelerated and evolved at the same pace. But I think for men we’ve also had challenges around our shifting role within society. The world has changed and I think one of the most powerful things is when men and women work together - it stops us blaming each other because there is a bit of that gender war narrative in society at the minute, that women’s progress is the reason why men are struggling and its simply not true. One of the reasons men are struggling is because of the way the world has changed.”

Male voices can be particularly powerful, amplifying women’s contributions and accelerating the implementation of fair practices, but women have an important part to play as well.

Women need to be proactive, engage in discussion about the division of labour in the household, have early conversations about childcare and how costs are split as well as seek out and support male allies in the workplace.

Culture shapes behaviour and diverse teams that operate in equitable environments are more innovative, resilient, and successful which benefits everyone.