Kyrgyzstan joins global ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ movement

The first-of-its-kind event aimed at raising awareness about the opportunities for the private sector to advance gender equality and sustainable development. During the session, participants discussed the role of women on directors’ boards and in the development of the country's business and economy. 

Meerim Askarbekova, a member of the board of directors of Kyrgyz Stock Exchange, spoke about the role of women in the stock market. Meanwhile, an expert on the green economy, Nurzat Abdyrasulova, discussed the contribution of women to the development of energy and environmental conservation in Kyrgyzstan. The founder of the Women's Entrepreneurship Development Fund, Asel Kubanychbekova, also gave an overview of women's entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan. In addition, Yulia Kholodkova, coordinator of the IFC Sustainable Social and Governance Practices Programme, spoke about the benefits of having women on directors’ boards. 

The event was created through a partnership between the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative, the UN Global Compact, UN Women, Women in ETFs, and the World Federation of Stock Exchanges.  

Through this event, Kyrgyzstan joined the Women's Empowerment Principles global initiative. The initiative is currently supported by over 4,000 companies worldwide.