Bishkek, March 12, 2025. /Kabar/. The Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, in partnership with IFC and UN Women, held the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony in Kyrgyzstan.
The KSE reported that 2025 is a landmark year for the Kyrgyz Stock Exchange (KSE), which celebrated the 5th anniversary of the KSE joining the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE).
This year, the event is dedicated to the theme "Investing in Gender Equality: 100 Years of the Women's Movement in the Kyrgyz Republic, 50 Years of International Women's Day, 30 Years of the Beijing Platform." This event served as a call for the expansion of women's economic rights and emphasizes the role of financial institutions in creating an inclusive economy with equal opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship.
The annual initiative "Opening Ceremony of Trades - Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" has become a strategically important platform for dialogue between business, government agencies, international organizations and civil society, facilitating the exchange of opinions and the birth of new ideas.
A significant element of the program was the presentation of awards to leaders who have made a significant contribution to the promotion of gender equality in the country. This initiative not only celebrates the successes achieved, but also inspires more active steps to implement inclusive business models and develop women's leadership in the corporate sector.
"It is noteworthy that the 2025 initiative covers 3 significant events at once, which are important for the history of gender policy development in Kyrgyzstan. Another important fact is that this year marks exactly 5 years since the KSE joined the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE). This step contributed to the creation of a strategically important platform for discussing and creating sustainable mechanisms that promote the expansion of women's economic rights. We welcome the growing interest of domestic financial institutions in their desire to create conditions for investing in the development of women's entrepreneurship," said Acting President of the KSE Aida Chodulova.
Head of the IFC office in the Kyrgyz Republic Dmitry Pyatachenko noted that women's economic activity is a key factor in the sustainable development of society. Promoting gender equality and eliminating barriers for women in business and management contributes to the formation of an inclusive and competitive economy, opening up prospects for growth and strengthening investor confidence.
"Women are a key resource for the economy. Gender equality is not only a human rights issue, but also a strategic priority for business and the state. Companies with gender balance in management show higher financial results. Therefore, it is important not only to support women, but also to create mechanisms that provide them with access to investments, loans and leadership positions," said the UN Resident Coordinator in the Kyrgyz Republic Antje Grawe.
"By investing in women, we invest in the future. We are not just creating a level playing field - we are opening up new opportunities for economic growth, innovation and sustainable development of the country," UN Women Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyk Sayed said.
The series of annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality events was first launched in 2015 with the participation of 7 exchanges and was held under the auspices of the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (UN SSE). This campaign is traditionally supported around the world by such organizations as the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, the UN Global Compact and the World Federation of Exchanges in cooperation with exchanges around the world. It is aimed at the full and equal participation of women and men in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and building an inclusive society.