IFC: HoSE joins 42 stock exchanges worldwide to Ring the Bell for gender equality

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the Hochiminh Stock Exchange (HoSE) are joining stock exchanges around the world in a global initiative to “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” – a partnership that highlights the economic imperative of empowering women in the workplace, marketplace, and community. From Ho Chi Minh City, representatives of HoSE, IFC and UN Women, together with senior businesswomen will ring the opening bell to mark International Women’s Day. They will speak on the continuing challenges of achieving gender equality and how the private sector can contribute to achieve this end. “HoSE is proud to be participating in this meaningful event advocating gender diversity,” said Tran Van Dzung, HoSE board chairman. “Global statistics show businesses outperform with women, and investors are increasingly looking to invest in companies that incorporate sustainable investment strategies and promote diverse leadership.” IFC works with companies in developing countries to generate opportunities for women while also contributing to companies’ bottom lines, productivity, and growth. By leveraging relationship with about 1,000 financial institutions and private equity funds, IFC helps expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs. “At IFC, we believe gender equality is central to driving the global economy and the private sector has an important role to play in this,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC Country Manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Lao PDR. “Specifically, the presence of women on boards and in leadership positions has a positive impact on financial performance, shareholder value and sustainability.” Currently, close to… [Read full story]