Boursa Kuwait Emphasizes Commitment to Gender Equality and Inclusion in Capital Markets
Kuwait Stock Exchange (Boursa Kuwait) confirmed Sunday its commitment to empowering women and promoting inclusivity and gender equality in the Kuwaiti capital market and the wider economy, describing it as a core institutional principle rather than a temporary initiative.
In a press release, Boursa announced it rang the trading bell for the ninth consecutive year to celebrate women, in cooperation with the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), United Nations Women, UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative, and International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The Exchange noted that since joining the SSE initiative in 2017 and signing the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) in 2019, it has implemented comprehensive policies and programs to promote diversity and inclusion both internally and across the market.
This global initiative, launched over a decade ago, aims to increase women’s representation in leadership and economic decision-making positions and encourages financial institutions worldwide to take concrete steps toward gender equality, it explained.
Boursa Kuwait underlined that its participation is a natural extension of its institutional strategy based on diversity, inclusion, and good governance – essential elements for building a trusted, balanced, and sustainable national capital market.
Meanwhile, Board Member Dalal Behbehani said at Boursa Kuwait, it is believed that market sustainability starts with institutional inclusivity. She added that they don’t just support diversity; they lead change by encouraging listed companies to empower women in decision-making roles.
The financial sector has entered a new era where women’s empowerment is viewed as a major competitive and economic advantage, and the Exchange aspires to build a strong market that reflects the full capabilities of society, she mentioned.
Rapid global financial changes have made diverse leadership an essential requirement for success, not just technical efficiency, Behbehani pointed out. Boursa Kuwait is one of the first exchanges in the Gulf and Middle East to join this UN initiative.
This annual bell-ringing reflects its conviction that balanced and inclusive capital markets are best equipped to drive sustainable economic development and serve investors and communities effectively. The event was held one day after Kuwaiti Women’s Day on May 16, which honors the role and achievements of Kuwaiti women in all fields. – Kuna
