Fiji has officially joined the global initiative “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality,” a campaign where stock exchanges worldwide participate in ringing their market opening or closing bells to advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of women across various sectors. On March 4, 2025, Minister for Women Sashi Kiran took part in this significant event at the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) in Suva, aligning the celebration with International Women’s Day.
This campaign underlines ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion in business and investment, emphasizing the vital importance of diversity and equal opportunities within capital markets. Nitin Gandhi, chairperson of the South Pacific Stock Exchange (SPX), noted that creating an inclusive environment in Fiji could attract international capital, foster support from development partners, and encourage foreign investments, all of which are essential for the nation’s economic growth.
RBF Governor Ariff Ali stated that the act of ringing the bell symbolizes a united commitment to promoting women’s representation within the financial sector. He stressed the need to close the gender gap in financial markets, highlighting that empowering women through improved access to capital and investments benefits the economy overall.
With International Women’s Day approaching, the emphasis on collaboration for gender equality has gained traction among many leaders. It has been recognized that economic empowerment of women enhances productivity and drives social development. However, challenges persist, particularly in leadership roles where women occupy only 25% of the board positions in SPX-listed companies. Supportive initiatives, such as the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (WE-Fi) Code, backed by organizations including the Fiji Development Bank and Westpac, are pivotal in promoting women-led businesses, improving access to financial services, and fostering a more inclusive financial landscape.
The theme for the 2025 campaign, “Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” is organized in collaboration with entities such as the World Federation of Exchanges and UN Women. This initiative aligns with a broader movement towards a more equitable society. As these celebrations progress, there is optimism that such collaborative efforts will yield substantial advancements in gender representation and economic opportunities, amplifying both social improvement and productivity.
This positive outlook reflects a strong commitment to recognizing and valuing women’s contributions in society, showcasing tangible progress towards gender equality in Fiji, and serving as an inspiring example for the Pacific region and beyond.
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