NSE calls on private sector to challenge gender inequality
The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) joined the rest of the world on Monday, 8 March 2021 to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) and the 7th Ring the Bell for Gender Equality.
With the theme “Choose to Challenge”, the event highlighted how Nigeria’s private sector is challenging gender inequality through policies and activities that promote equal opportunities for women.
Speaking at the event, Oscar Onyema, chief executive officer, commented, “At the NSE, we are committed to playing our part by implementing various initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity and empowering women.
“We do, however, recognise that there is a pressing need to do more to advance gender equality across our ecosystem. In this regard, one of our key initiatives is the 3-year Nigeria2Equal programme that we are implementing in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
“The program will support the private sector to increase women’s participation as leaders, employees, customers, and entrepreneurs through favourable workforce policies and practices, products and services that target the women’s market segment, and deliberate measures that promote women’s participation in corporate value chains.”
In delivering her goodwill remarks, the Chief, Intergovernmental Relations & Africa, United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), Ms. Olajobi Makinwa stated, “I welcome the theme of this IWD, Choose to Challenge. On this special day, I call on business leaders to choose to challenge the gender disparities that exist within organisations and set clear targets to address gender equality.
“This includes policies that ensure equal pay for work of equal value, address gender bias and prejudice, prevent violence and harassment, offer clear opportunities for career development, and ensure women are included in the decision-making process across all levels of leadership.”
