The Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Global Compact Network Kenya, and UN Women, has once again joined more than 100 stock exchanges globally to Ring the Bell for Gender Equality. This annual event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, underscores the critical role of the private sector in advancing gender equality across markets, industries, and corporate organizations.
Promoting the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative specifically encourages companies to adopt and implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). These principles, established by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, offer practical guidance for businesses to promote gender equality and empower women at all levels — from the workplace and marketplace to the broader community.
2025 Theme: For ALL Women and Girls – Rights, Equality, Empowerment
The 2025 theme for International Women’s Day, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, calls on all sectors to take concrete action across three pillars:
- Advance rights of women and girls by addressing and combating violence and discrimination.
- Promote gender equality by removing systemic barriers and amplifying marginalized voices.
- Empower young women and girls through enhanced access to education, leadership opportunities, and innovation spaces.
This year’s theme aligns with the global campaign message: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, reinforcing the economic benefits of gender equality and the urgent need for sustained action.
Key Statements from Leaders
Cabinet Secretary Hon. Rebecca Miano
Speaking during the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2025 ceremony, Hon. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, highlighted the economic and moral imperative of gender equality.
“Gender equality is both a moral imperative and an economic necessity. 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. Together, we can shape a future where no woman or girl is left behind.”
NSE CEO Frank Mwiti
Frank Mwiti, the recently appointed CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange, reiterated NSE’s long-standing commitment to gender equality.
“The Nairobi Securities Exchange is proud to lead Kenya’s private sector in championing gender equality through initiatives such as Ring the Bell for Gender Equality. At NSE, we recognize that diverse and inclusive financial markets are key drivers of economic resilience and innovation. As part of our strategic vision, we are committed to fostering inclusive capital markets that empower women investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders.”
IFC’s Commitment to Gender Equality
The IFC Regional Director for East Africa highlighted the importance of gender diversity at the corporate leadership level, emphasizing the need to invest in women-led enterprises.
“The strides women have made are a testament to their determination and the power of partnerships, innovative technology, and business models that create a more inclusive and equitable world.”
Global Compact Network Kenya
Judy Njino, Executive Director of Global Compact Network Kenya, emphasized the private sector’s responsibility in dismantling systemic barriers and driving economic transformation.
“Equality, fairness, and respect are fundamental to sustainable and responsible business. The private sector holds immense power to dismantle systemic barriers and unlock the full potential of women and girls as drivers of economic transformation. As we ring the bell, we call on businesses to take bold action and accelerate progress towards gender equality. 150 years is too long to wait — the time to act is now.”
UN Women Kenya’s Call for Collaboration
Ms. Antonia N’gabala Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, reaffirmed the importance of placing gender equality at the heart of United Nations (UN) efforts in Kenya.
“In a One-UN approach, we drive real impact for gender equality, ensuring there is a unified force and collaboration with all actors to deliver coordinated, scalable, and sustainable solutions.”
She emphasized the role of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), which promotes partnerships with governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to embed gender equality into governance, workforce policies, and procurement strategies.
30 Years Since the Beijing Declaration: Renewed Commitment
The 2025 Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark global commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. The milestone served as a reminder of the unfinished agenda and the need to accelerate collective efforts towards achieving gender parity.
Key Focus Areas for Private Sector Action
As part of the 2025 call to action, private sector companies participating in the event were encouraged to:
- Set measurable gender equality targets at all levels of leadership and governance.
- Develop gender-responsive policies that address issues like equal pay, parental leave, and workplace harassment.
- Increase investments in women-led businesses and supply chains.
- Support initiatives that promote STEM education and leadership training for girls and young women.
- Enhance gender data collection and reporting to track progress.
A Collaborative Future for Gender Equality in Kenya
By uniting public and private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2025 event reinforced that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for economic resilience and sustainable development.
The NSE and its partners called on all companies listed at the bourse, as well as private enterprises across Kenya, to embrace the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) and ensure inclusive policies and practices become the norm.
Discover more from Techish Kenya
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
