Nairobi — As the world marks the International Women’s Day, the Global Compact Network Kenya in partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), United Nations (UN) Women Kenya and International Finance Cooprtation (IFC) Africa joined stock exchanges across the globe to ring the annual Bell for Gender Equality.
The event Convened by NSE becomes the eight fete done in in commemoration of the 2022 International Women’s Day whose theme is ‘Gender equality for a sustainability tomorrow’.
Speaking during the event NSE CEO Geoffrey Odundo said that the global bell ringing aim to bring attention to the pivotal role the private sector plays in advancing gender equality to achieve the SDGs and to raise awareness about the Women’s Empowerment Principles.
"The theme recognizes the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response," he said.
Twenty five Exchanges are now signatories to the WEPs as part of their commitment to promoting gender equality.
IFC corporate Governance Officer, Rose Lumumba underscored the potential of private sector to address gender equality by increasing female representation in business leadership positions.
"The private sector is well positioned to have policy for equal pay for equal work, facilitate family leave and flexible work options for women, end sexual harassment in the work place," she said.
Environment CS Keriako Tobiko, who was also in attendance said that women deserve to be given ‘a level playing ground to make a difference in this planet. To be empowered to own the means of production not providers of labor. Access to credit without stringent conditions.’