The World Federation of Exchanges, the global industry group for exchanges and CCPs, is pleased to confirm that its member exchanges are taking part in the fifth annual ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ initiative.

For the fifth consecutive year, a global collaboration across 80 exchanges around the world plan to ring opening or closing bells to celebrate International Women’s Day 2019 (Friday 8 March 2019).

The events are a partnership between IFC, Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, UN Global Compact, UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges and Women in ETFs, to raise awareness about the business case for women’s economic empowerment and the opportunities for the private sector to advance gender equality and sustainable development.

We are here at the @Nasdaq to ring the #GenderBell in honour of International #WomensDay⁠, joining over 80 stock exchanges around the world in drawing attention to the critical role business and markets can and must play in closing the gender inequality gap. pic.twitter.com/Ik9uFIa820

— UN Global Compact (@globalcompact) March 7, 2019

The UN Women’s theme for International Women’s Day 2019 is ‘Think equal, build smart, innovate for change’. The theme focuses on innovative ways in which the private sector can advance gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly in the areas of social protection systems, access to public services, and sustainable infrastructure.

In addition to the bell ringing events, the six bell ringing partner organisations applaud the work done to date, and encourage exchanges to take further action to improve gender equality in their markets. Recommended actions include signing the CEO Statement of Support for the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs); promoting gender equality in the workforce; introducing gender equality standards and supporting gender-equality themed investment products; providing guidance, training, mentoring, and education to market participants on gender equality and the role of gender diversity in business performance; and encouraging or requiring listed companies to publicly report on relevant gender metrics.

In March 2018, a record 65 exchanges rang their bells for gender equality, and this year looks set to be even bigger, with 80 exchanges confirmed as taking part.

Nandini Sukumar, CEO, WFE said: “We are pleased so many WFE members are participating in this important initiative, which has gone from strength to strength over the past five years. We are proud to raise awareness about this essential social and economic issue, both within the financial sector, and on a wider, global scale.”

Source: WFE

At @JSE_Group to ring the bell for international women’s day @WomeninETFs and 5 global partners @IFC_org, @SSEinitiative, @globalcompact, @UN_Women, and @TheWFE will Ring the Opening Bell in celebration of International Women's Day at Over 75 exchanges #IWD2019⁠ ⁠ #GenderBell pic.twitter.com/2CQEvrmUkq

— Deborah Fuhr, ETFGI (@deborahfuhr) March 8, 2019

⚡️?⚡️ Today we rang the @NasdaqHelsinki Opening Bell with members of the Finnish IR Society & @SuomenUNWomen.

In Helsinki, we’ve seen an increase in female participation on the boards of Finnish listed companies, which have been reached without imposing quotas. #IWD19 pic.twitter.com/kE0XShFiPS

— Nasdaq (@Nasdaq) March 8, 2019

One of the 80 stock exchanges around the world ringing the bell for #GenderEquality #GenderBell @TMXGroup #balanceforbetter #IWD2019 #InternationalWomensDay #WomensDay pic.twitter.com/NacMHq2HNP

— Competent Boards (@CompetentBoards) March 8, 2019