#USA #New York #Gender Equality #UN Women #IFC

Over 115 Exchanges Unite for the 11th Global Annual 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' Initiative

On March 6, 2025, over 115 stock exchanges from around the globe participated in the 11th annual 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' initiative, which aims to highlight the essential role that the private sector plays in advancing gender equality. Initiated in 2015, this initiative, spearheaded by key global partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the UN Global Compact, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), seeks to mobilize stock exchanges and their stakeholders to support gender equality through symbolic bell-ringing ceremonies around the world.

The theme for this year, 'Ring the Bell for ALL Women and Girls Rights. Equality. Empowerment,' emphasizes the need for inclusive actions to promote and safeguard the rights of women and girls. In 2025, the initiative saw a significant expansion, growing from a modest inception with only seven exchanges to involving over 115, showcasing a global commitment to this critical cause.

Stock exchanges hold a unique power to influence their markets and foster an environment conducive to gender equality. Their pivotal role extends beyond awareness-raising; they are instrumental in mobilizing financial resources for investment products focused on gender equality, promoting better access for women to financial markets, and encouraging greater female representation in corporate leadership roles. This multi-faceted approach not only supports gender equality but also reinforces the business case for inclusivity in economic activities.

Participating in the 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' initiative underscores the message that gender equality is not merely a social issue but also a fundamental business necessity. It serves as a platform to amplify voices advocating for gender equality, reinforcing the idea that progress in this area is key to fostering inclusive and equitable economies.

The event is designed to engage stock exchanges, regulators, investors, and corporations in discussions on how they can contribute to gender equality. As the initiative grows, it aims to mobilize key actors within the financial sector to take actionable steps towards promoting women's rights and integrating gender perspectives into financial products and services. The initiative also encourages exchanges worldwide to adopt policies that enhance the status of women and girls in their jurisdictions.

Namely, the partnerships behind this initiative include:

• - The International Finance Corporation (IFC), which focuses on the private sector in emerging markets. With a commitment to creating opportunities for development, in 2024 the IFC allocated a record $56 billion to private enterprises and financial institutions across developing countries.
• - The UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE), which brings together various stakeholders to explore how stock exchanges and their partners can enhance sustainable growth and improve performance on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.
• - UN Women, dedicated to gender equality and empowering women, works with governments and civil societies to implement gender-focused policies and movements, promoting equal participation in all aspects of life.
• - The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), established in 1961, represents a vast network of market infrastructure providers and is committed to promoting fair, transparent, and efficient financial markets that also advocate for diversity and gender inclusion.

For a complete list of participating exchanges and to learn how to engage in this essential initiative, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official websites of the respective organizations. As we move forward, the collective effort in advocating for gender equality signals a commitment towards a more equitable future for women and girls across the globe. Together, these exchanges are demonstrating that creating inclusive economies is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic imperative for sustainable growth and success in the business world.

• ---