Financial and gender equality experts have urged businesses and financial institutions to adopt inclusive policies that empower women and persons with disabilities, emphasising the economic necessity of gender inclusion.
UN Women Uganda Country Representative, Paulina Chiwangu, warned that the global backlash against women's empowerment is at an all-time high and called for stronger partnerships to drive gender equality.
“This partnership is a powerful testament to the collective commitment we share in advancing gender equality and the empowerment of women in the private sector and beyond,” Dr. Chiwangu stated.
She commended Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) CEO Paul Bwiso and his team for their collaboration in organizing the initiative.
Chiwangu highlighted the economic impact of gender disparity, citing research showing that failure to invest in women’s empowerment costs the global economy $10 trillion annually.
Speaking at the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event held in Kampala , Chiwangu stressed that gender equality is not just a matter of social justice but a fundamental pillar for sustainable development and business success.
Minister of State for Disability, Hellen Asamo, echoed similar sentiments, urging financial institutions and businesses to dismantle barriers that hinder women's and persons with disabilities' participation in Uganda’s economic landscape.
"As we ring this bell today, let it serve as a call to action a reminder that true progress requires us to break down barriers, challenge biases, and create enabling environments where all individuals can contribute meaningfully to economic growth," Asamo said.
While acknowledging government efforts to promote gender equality, she challenged the private sector to play a greater role in fostering diversity.
"The government is actively working on policies to enhance access to finance, education, and entrepreneurial support. However, we cannot do this alone. I urge our private sector partners to ensure that women and persons with disabilities are not just participants but leaders in the financial and investment landscape," she added.
The Uganda Securities Exchange (USE) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment by increasing their participation in investment markets.
CEO Paul Bwiso revealed that out of the 250,000 investors in Uganda’s securities market, only 20% are women, with just 11,000 holding shares in listed companies.
“Our role in the women empowerment conversation is to drive growth and inclusion,” Bwiso stated. “A big hand clap to the ladies who are investing in the market.”
To bridge this gap, USE has introduced technology-driven initiatives that allow investors to access the market through USSD codes and mobile apps, improving financial inclusion.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event, now in its 11th year, is a global campaign involving 115 stock exchanges worldwide, reinforcing the role of the private sector in gender-inclusive economic development.