Introduction Statement of the Problem The proposed research will address the issue of gender equality (GE) in the field of financial sector leadership. While the principle of GE has become a part of the image of the modern world, the signs of discrimination are still visible (Fitzsimmons, Callan, & Paulsen, 2014; David & Guerrina, 2013). Phenomena of occupational segregation, glass ceilings or sticky floors are still an issue all over the world, and the US is not an exception (Wallace, 2012; Cozzens, 2008). Gender inequality is, therefore, a very persistent problem, and further development of both theoretical and practical knowledge concerning the issue is required. Purpose of the Study The primary purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of various GE tools in the context of the financial sector in the US. Research Question/Hypothesis The primary question of the research can be formulated in the following way. In the context of a developed country with an advanced understanding of GE, is the balanced tool of gender mainstreaming more effective in promoting and maintaining GE than the more radical equal rights principle? The hypothesis is that the answer would be positive. Definition of Terms Equal rights principle (ERP) is a tool that is aimed at promoting equality while neglecting the differences between the needs of people of different genders (Prügl, 2009, p. 178). Gender mainstreaming (GM) is a tool that presupposes promoting GE while taking into account the differences the needs of people of different genders (Prügl, 2009, p. 174). The definition of leadership for this study can be limited to the formal position of leadership since this is a factor that can be easily traced and measured. The notion of equality will be defined as equal opportunities for work and promotion within the financial sector for the sake of convenience. Theoretical Framework The main drawback of ERP is the fact that it ignores the differences in the needs of people of different genders. As a reaction to this problem, GM was created in an attempt of finding a balance between empowerment and the promotion of equality without the elimination of gender identities (Prügl, 2009, p. 178). However, feminists accuse GM of creating new stereotypes (for example, those concerning female leaders) which is counterproductive to the goal of promoting equality (Prügl, 2009, 188). It cannot be denied that the two tools have advanced the understanding of equality, but as a result, GE promotion is left with two widely used but deficient strategies. The comparison of their effectiveness is going to be investigated in the proposed research. Literature Review The problem of gender inequality is being addressed by numerous studies in the form of philosophical dwellings, theoretical investigations, and practically applicable research. It is understandable that in certain countries (for example, Islamic ones), GE is still a controversial issue (Hippert, 2011; Kemp, Madsen, & Davis, 2015). Apart from that, the actions aimed at improving the situation can be misused and result in the illusion of improvement (Hippert, 2011). Still, GE issues have been proved to exist in countries that used to