Private sector joins global call to action at the ring the bell for gender equality ceremony

To mark International Women's Day 2025, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Global Compact Network Kenya, and UN Women, joined over 100 stock exchanges worldwide to “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality.” This annual global initiative urges the private sector to accelerate gender equality by adopting and implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) across industries, organizations, and markets.

This year’s theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” called on stakeholders to defend the rights of women and girls by eliminating violence and discrimination, remove systemic barriers to equality and amplify the voices of marginalized women and empower young women through increased access to education, innovation, and leadership opportunities.

The global campaign’s core message, “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration in achieving gender parity.

The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, reinforcing global and national commitments to women’s empowerment and leadership in all spheres of life.

The objectives of the 2025 ceremony were to raise awareness about the private sector’s role in advancing gender equality, highlight scalable business practices that promote economic inclusion for women and girls, and take stock of progress while charting a roadmap for achieving gender-related Sustainable Development Goals."

Hon. Rebecca Miano, E.G.H. Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, emphasized the economic and moral imperative of advancing gender equality. “When women are empowered, entire communities thrive. The private sector must take bold, decisive action to dismantle barriers, foster inclusive leadership, and invest in women as key drivers of sustainable economic growth,” she stated.

Echoing this sentiment, Frank Mwiti, CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, reiterated NSE’s continued commitment. “We are proud to lead Kenya’s private sector in championing gender equality through initiatives such as Ring the Bell. At NSE, we believe inclusive financial markets are key drivers of economic resilience and innovation. We are dedicated to empowering women investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”

Antonia N'Gabala-Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, highlighted the importance of a coordinated UN approach in advancing women’s rights. “In a One-UN approach, we drive real impact for gender equality by ensuring collaboration with all actors to deliver scalable, sustainable solutions,” she said.

Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, UN Women works alongside governments, businesses, and civil society to embed gender equality in institutional policies, workforce strategies, and procurement frameworks. “We equip institutions with the tools, data, and resources needed to integrate gender equality into decision-making processes,” Ms. Sodonon noted.

The IFC’s Regional Director for East Africa, Mary Porter Peschka affirmed the organization’s commitment to creating inclusive business environments that prioritize gender diversity in leadership and investment in women-led enterprises. “The progress we have seen reflects the power of partnerships and innovation in building equitable economies.” She remarked.

Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, urged businesses to take bold steps. “Equality, fairness, and respect are essential to sustainable and responsible business. As we ring the bell, we call on all companies to dismantle systemic barriers and accelerate change. 150 years is too long to wait—the time to act is now.”

Ring the Bell ceremonies are part of a global initiative led by the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative in collaboration with UN Women, UN Global Compact, IFC, and the World Federation of Exchanges.  The events spotlight the private sector’s critical role in achieving gender equality and promoting the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).