Moldova marks event to promote gender equality in the financial sector

On 4 March, UN Women, the Moldova Stock Exchange and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) organized the first-ever "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" event in Moldova, expressing a shared commitment to promoting gender equality in the financial sector. The event was attended by representatives of financial institutions and the business community.

Ringing the bell signals the start or end of a trading day at the stock exchange. For the past 10 years, on the occasion of International Women's Day, the "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" ceremony has become a symbol of solidarity and a call to action for stock exchanges worldwide, advocating for diversity and inclusion in the financial sector. Globally, this initiative is coordinated by five international organizations, including UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the IFC, the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSE) and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).

The event highlighted the essential role of women in the financial sector, as well as strategies to support their active involvement in this field. The participants were encouraged to strengthen their commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in the financial community, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to join the WEPs (Women Empowerment Principles) community to promote business practices that empower women.

In his welcoming remarks, Tudor Muravschi, President of the Moldova Stock Exchange, said that it is essential to focus our efforts and resources on promoting women in all fields, without exception. “This is not only in line with the principles of fairness and equality but also an effective means to improve society as a whole,” he said. “Investing in women is not only an act of social justice but also an efficient means to accelerate the progress and development of our society."

Dominika Stojanoska, Country Representative of UN Women Moldova, said the event demonstrates the importance of our commitment to promoting gender equality and recognizing the essential contribution of woman to Moldova’s economic development. “Providing increased attention to women's rights is the key to real transformation, offering them the chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and thrive,” she said. “Investing in women is a cornerstone for building an inclusive society. The progress of women benefits us all!"

Galina Cicanci, Country Manager at the IFC, said the event underscores the importance of gender equality for economic development and progress. “Too often, women's participation in the private sector is undervalued,” she said. “Increasing women's economic participation and achieving gender equality in leadership, both in business and government, are two key levers for addressing broader gender gaps in family, society and the economy."

This year, 112 stock exchanges around the world are hosting bell-ringing ceremonies to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, raising awareness of the private sector’s pivotal role in advancing gender equality.

Held annually, this global initiative has become an occasion to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as to reflect on challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality. This year, UN Women is commemorating International Women's Day under the theme "Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress," with the goal of spotlighting the importance of investing in women as a foundation for building an inclusive and equitable society.