Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls: Promoting Gender Equality in the Financial and Economic Sectors

The Moldova Stock Exchange, in partnership with UN Women Moldova and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), organized the second consecutive "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" event, part of a global initiative held worldwide.

This initiative was coordinated internationally by five leading global organizations:

• International Finance Corporation (IFC)
• Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE)
• UN Women
• United Nations Global Compact (UNGC)
• World Federation of Stock Exchanges (WFE)

“This moment is not just a symbol but a powerful signal that we want a fair society where women and men have equal opportunities, including in the economic and financial sectors,” stated Andrei Ianțemschi, President of the Moldova Stock Exchange, in his opening speech. He emphasized the importance of gender equality as a moral ideal and a key factor for economic development and social progress. “Studies show that companies with more women in leadership positions are more performant and stable,” he said. “Countries that promote gender equality have much stronger economies and faster growth.”

The event highlighted women's essential role in the financial sector and ways to support their active involvement. Participants were encouraged to intensify their commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusion in the financial community, which is in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They were also invited to join the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)  community, which promotes business practices that support and empower women.

Dominika Stojanoska, UN Women Moldova’s Country Representative, emphasized that the “Ring the Bell” initiative is a firm call to action for the financial sector, which must actively promote gender equality. "Equality is a business opportunity," she said, highlighting the significant challenges in achieving gender equality by 2030, including an annual financial gap of $360 billion.

“It would take 134 years—five generations—to achieve gender equality. An effective way to reduce this gap is by increasing investments in women-owned and women-led businesses,” she added. "Together, let’s continue ringing the bell for progress, equality and a brighter future for all. This sound is more than a symbol—it’s a call to action. When girls and women lead, societies transform. And when we all commit to equality, the world becomes a better place for each of us.”

Her Excellency Katarina Fried, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova, highlighted Sweden’s active support for gender equality and financial literacy. "In Sweden, we believe that true progress is only possible when women and girls have equal opportunities," she said, reiterating her country’s commitment to women's rights, equality and empowerment.

The theme for the 2025 edition was “Ring the Bell—Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls,” which focused on three essential areas of action: rights, equality, and equal opportunities in education, employment, and leadership.

“Gender equality is necessary because we need everyone's voice at the decision-making table, and we must be there because we have the competence,” said Anca Dragu, Governor of the National Bank of Moldova. “My belief is that this drive starts at home. Never tell girls they cannot do certain jobs! Every girl can do anything she wants in life.”

According to data from the National Bank of Moldova, women hold more bank cards than men (1.9 million compared to 1.6 million) and make more cashless payments (139.5 million compared to 134 million). However, the total value of transactions made by women is lower, amounting to 82.9 billion MDL, compared to 85.8 billion MDL for men.

Galina Cicanci, Moldova’s Country Officer of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), explained that the IFC is committed to promoting a private-sector-led approach to creating global jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.

“Our goals include enabling 300 million women to access broadband, providing social protection for 250 million women and unlocking capital for 80 million women and women-led businesses,” she said. “IFC’s experience shows that when we design initiatives with women in mind, we unlock transformative change that fuels innovation, creates jobs and strengthens communities.” 

Dumitru Budianschi, President of the National Commission for Financial Market, stressed the event’s symbolic significance and the importance of transparency and fair competition in the financial market. "The Stock Exchange is where competition is fair, transparency is promoted, and the true value of companies is discovered,” he said. “Launching this initiative, from the perspective of discovering values, is essential and aligns with international efforts to promote gender equality.”

Key stakeholders from the financial sector participated in the event to show solidarity for the gender equality agenda.

The event was held this year at the National Museum of History of the Republic of Moldova, where it concluded with a guided tour on the theme “The Evolution of Women’s Role in Society and the Economy.” The tour focused on the significant transformations in the status of women throughout different eras, from traditional roles in households and crafts to active involvement in education, science, politics and the economy. During the tour, the participants explored relevant historical exhibits and analyzed the impact of socio-economic changes on women’s position in society.