Fiji has joined the global campaign “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality,” where stock exchanges around the world ring the market opening or closing bell to promote gender equality and empower women in various sectors. On March 4, 2025, Minister for Women Sashi Kiran participated in this meaningful event at the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in Suva, marking the occasion in celebration of International Women’s Day.
This campaign reinforces ongoing efforts to enhance gender inclusion within business and investment, highlighting the critical need for diversity and equal opportunities in capital markets. Nitin Gandhi, chairperson of the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), emphasized their commitment to advocating for gender equality. He mentioned that by fostering an inclusive environment, Fiji could attract international capital, development partner support, and foreign investments, which are vital for economic development.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali added that ringing the bell symbolizes a collective commitment to advocate for women’s representation in the financial sector. He reiterated the importance of bridging the gender gap in financial markets, suggesting that when women are empowered through access to capital and investments, the benefits extend to the economy as a whole.
In recent events leading up to International Women’s Day, the emphasis on collaboration in promoting gender equality has resonated with many leaders. It has been highlighted that women’s economic empowerment boosts productivity and fosters social progress. Despite marked progress, challenges remain, particularly in leadership representation where women hold only 25% of board positions in SPX-listed companies. Initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code, supported by various institutions including the Fiji Development Bank and Westpac, have amplified efforts to promote women-led enterprises, enhancing access to financial services and creating a more inclusive financial environment.
The theme for the 2025 campaign is “Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” and is organized in partnership with entities such as the World Federation of Exchanges and UN Women. This initiative resonates with a broader movement towards a more balanced and equitable society. As the celebration continues, there is hope that these collaborative efforts will lead to significant advancements in gender representation and economic opportunities, fostering both social improvement and higher productivity.
This optimistic outlook reflects a commitment to creating a society where women’s contributions are recognized and valued, demonstrating tangible progress towards gender equality in Fiji and serving as an inspiring model for the Pacific region and beyond.
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