The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Global Compact Network Kenya, and UN Women, marked International Women’s Day 2025 by joining over 100 stock exchanges globally for the annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event.
This initiative calls attention to the critical role the private sector plays in promoting gender equality across industries and corporate organizations.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event urges businesses to adopt the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), which provide actionable guidelines for businesses to foster gender equality and empower women at all levels, from the workplace to the broader community.
This year’s theme aligns with the global campaign message: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” which highlights the economic benefits of gender equality and calls for continuous and urgent action.
Speaking at the event, Miano argued that gender equality is crucial for driving sustainable economic growth. She stated that empowering women benefits not only them but entire communities.
She called on the private sector to actively break down barriers, promote inclusive leadership, and commit resources to elevate women’s roles in business and policy-making.
“Gender equality is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. When women are empowered, entire communities thrive. The private sector must take bold, decisive action to break down barriers, foster inclusive leadership, and invest in women as key drivers of sustainable economic growth,” Miano said.
She pointed out that access to finance remains one of the greatest challenges for women entrepreneurs, noting that over 60% of women-led businesses across Africa face this issue. Even as women overcome financial barriers, they often encounter hidden obstacles in leadership roles within businesses.
“Women continue to encounter hidden yet deeply rooted challenges in leadership. Gender equality must not be a side agenda; it must form the core of our economic strategies, leadership structures, and national development frameworks,” she added.
In her call to action, Miano maintained that gender equality should not be viewed as an optional initiative but as a necessary element for Kenya’s growth.
She encouraged businesses to adopt gender-equal policies that go beyond tokenism and actively drive social and economic transformation.
In conclusion, Miano urged public and private sector leaders to work together to promote gender equality, viewing it not only as a fundamental right but as a driving force for a just, prosperous, and sustainable future for Kenya.
𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒.𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘.𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓.
One of the most pressing business obstacle remains access to finance. Over 60% of women-led businesses in Africa identify it as their primary hurdle. Even when women break through these financial barriers, they continue to… pic.twitter.com/p21anrGPcK
— CS Rebecca Miano, EGH (@rebecca_miano) March 6, 2025
The 2025 event also marked 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a global commitment to advancing gender equality and women’s rights.
This anniversary serves as a reminder of the unfinished work and the collective effort required to reach gender parity.
