The Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) is calling for gender equality through ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’, as an encouragement for the private sector to increase women’s empowerment.
This was echoed by BEI together with the UN Agency for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment ( UN Women ), International Finance Corporation (IFC), Indonesia Global Compact Network (IGCN), and Indonesia Business Coalition for Women’s Empowerment (IBCWE).
This year, 121 stock exchanges around the world are celebrating 10 years of “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” to commemorate International Women’s Day with the theme “Investing in Women: Accelerating Progress”.
The ringing of the bell is also a symbol of the commitment of exchanges, companies and global investors to advancing gender equality as the best way to accelerate economic growth and build a more prosperous and equal society.
“We also hope that companies in the Indonesian capital markets industry can provide more support for efforts to empower women in the workforce,” said BEI Director, Risa Rustam at the BEI Building, Thursday (14/3/2024).
For Risa, this support is not only on International Women’s Day, but is also reflected in real daily actions to strengthen the position of women in various aspects of life, including in the realm of business and the sustainable economy.
Investing in women becomes very important as global situations, such as crises, conflicts and climate change, have a disproportionate impact on women and girls.
Head of Programs UN Women Indonesia, Dwi Faiz, revealed that one in every 10 women in the world lives in extreme poverty and only 61 percent of women are in the workforce.
In Indonesia, female labor force participation reached 54.4 percent, far below male participation.
“Today’s bell ringing event signifies the full commitment of companies, investors and the stock exchange to support gender equality and women’s empowerment,” he explained.
Euan Marshal, IFC Country Manager for Indonesia and Timor-Leste said, there is great potential for empowering women who make up half of the world’s population.
For him, closing the gender employment gap is not only the key to changing the global economy, but also supporting job creation and encouraging sustainable development.
“IFC is committed to investing in women’s empowerment and accelerating the pace of progress, working together with our partners from the stock exchange, regulators and other development partners in Indonesia,” he explained.
Meanwhile, IGCN Executive Director, Josephine Satyono called for transformative change by understanding that investing in women is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic effort for economic growth.
“By investing in women, a country can accelerate progress, paving the way to a more prosperous and equal world,” explained Josephine.
IBCWE Executive Director, Wita Krisanti said, more women who occupy leadership positions in business can have a stronger impact on society, also help break stereotypes and create role models for future generations.
“This year’s theme is a reminder for us to create an environment that supports women’s empowerment and supports women to achieve leadership roles,” she concluded.
Source: BEI dan UN Women cs Gaungkan Kesetaraan Gender di Industri Pasar Modal (idxchannel.com)
