CSE rings the bell for gender equality

The CSE recently joined the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID), IFC - a member of the World Bank Group, UN Global Compact, UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges, Women in ETFs and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative to ring the opening bell for gender equality.

These bell-ringing events take place in exchanges around the world to highlight the pivotal role of the private sector in empowering women in the workplace, marketplace and community.

Chairman, CSE, Vajira Kulatilaka said, "At the CSE, we strongly believe that gender equality is essential for a high-performing and talent-led organisations. We believe that enabling the potential of women is central to ensure sustainable and inclusive development, in business and the community."

"We remain committed to creating an environment for women to rise to their potential, in the workplace and community. We pledge our continued support to ensure gender equality and the full participation of women at all levels of society," he said.

Chairperson, Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, Ms. Shiromal Cooray thanking the IFC and the CSE for partnering SLID the symbolic bell-ringing ceremony said, "Throughout the year, we will conduct a series of programs focused on empowerment of women in the workplace with a focus on women on boards, paving the way for women to embrace leadership roles in the corporate world and discussing issues faced by women in leadership are key objectives of these programs."

Senior Operations Officer, IFC, Graeme A. Harris said, "The idea for the symbolism of bell-ringing is an initiative based on the seven principles for women's empowerment established by UN Global Compact and UN Women. The principles emphasise the business case for corporate action to promote gender parity and women's empowerment. Globally, CEOs of companies have been invited to sign statements of support to the seven principles."

Country Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the World Bank, Mrs. Francoise Clottes said the initiative is not only a call for equality but a call for business efficiency, given the effective contribution by women to the corporate sector around the world. She said the importance of more effective policy making to promote gender diversity in the boardroom and at leadership roles in the corporate sector.

Senior Partner at Tiruchelvam Associates, Ms. Ramani Muttettuwegama said, "In a country where over the past few years women have begun to be appointed to the Supreme Court, where the public service is being dominated by women and the academia is almost all over Sri Lanka completely dominated by women, it should be a matter of great concern that the corporate sector lags far behind - given that as Madam Clottes said, there is absolutely no block to women participating in this sector and moving upwards."