Women’s leadership in listed firms rises: study

Bangladesh  still tops the South Asia region in terms of women's leadership in listed companies, according to a new study of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).

The new figures showed there was an increase in the percentage of women who are  independent directors of listed companies from 5 per cent in 2020 to 6 per cent despite the impact of Covid-19, which has disproportionately affected women, IFC said in a press release on  Sunday.

"A 2020 IFC-DSE study showed at the time around 18 per  cent of listed company board directors were women, which has remained the  same. In terms of women on boards of listed companies, Bangladesh still tops the South Asia region," it said.

The findings were revealed at an event marking International Women's Day. The IFC, DSE, UN Women,  and United Nations Global Compact organised the programme.

The IFC has partnered with the DSE, UN Women, and United Nations Global Compact for the seventh consecutive year to "Ring the Bell for Gender  Equality".

While emphasising women's role in shaping a more equal  future, the annual event also highlights how greater participation of women in the economy can spur sustainable and inclusive growth.

Speaking  at the event, Nathalie Chuard, ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh,  said, "As Bangladesh embarks upon its graduation from the LDC category,  ensuring gender equality is all the more critical for a sustainable  transition that leaves no one behind."

"As a committed and  long-standing bilateral partner, Switzerland gives particular importance  to gender equality and social inclusion in all of its engagements in  Bangladesh," Chuard said.

Tarique Amin Bhuiyan, managing director of the DSE, said the DSE remained committed to closing the gender gap and promoting women's role in leadership, particularly in listed  firms.

"Advancing women's' roles in companies will not only create a more diverse leadership team but will also serve to help private sector companies create value, bring new ideas, boost  transparency and promote inclusive growth."

Meanwhile, in  a new joint report on, "How Exchanges Can Advance Gender Equality:  Updated Guidance and Best Practice," the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges  (SSE) initiative and IFC identify three broad areas where exchanges can  play a role in advancing gender equality, the press release said.

"Investing in women's economic empowerment is  both the right thing to do and the smart thing to do as it sets a  direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication and inclusive  economic growth," said Gitanjali Singh, head of the office at the UN  Women Bangladesh.