Today, Ahmed El Sheikh, Chairman of the Egyptian Stock Exchange (EGX), officially opened the trading session in celebration of International Women’s Day. The event, attended by Heba El-Seirafy, Vice Chairman of EGX, was part of the global “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative, which aims to raise awareness about gender equality in financial markets. This initiative, held annually, saw participation from key global stakeholders, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), UN Women, and the UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative.
This year’s theme, “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment,” highlights the continued global push for gender parity and empowerment, particularly in leadership roles within the financial and economic sectors.
EGX’s Commitment to Women’s Economic Empowerment
Ahmed El Sheikh emphasized the critical role that gender equality plays in building a more inclusive and prosperous financial ecosystem. He stated, “The Egyptian Stock Exchange has long been committed to fostering an environment where women can thrive in leadership roles. The strides we’ve made in improving capital market regulations are enabling more women to take on influential roles within both listed companies and financial institutions.” Furthermore, El Sheikh highlighted that through regulatory advancements and the Egyptian government’s 2030 National Strategy for Women’s Empowerment, EGX is actively supporting women’s participation in the workforce and leadership positions.
The strategy, which aims for women to occupy 30% of senior roles in Egypt’s public and private sectors by 2030, aligns with EGX’s efforts to promote gender diversity within financial markets. Notably, this strategic framework is a key driver for creating a more equitable future for women in Egypt’s economy.
Fostering Gender Equality in Corporate Governance
Heba El-Seirafy, Vice Chairman of EGX, shared her perspective on how diversity positively impacts corporate governance. She stated, “Promoting gender equality isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also good for business. Diverse leadership teams are better equipped to make sound decisions that drive competitiveness and economic resilience. By integrating diverse perspectives at all levels of corporate governance, we ensure a more inclusive and effective business environment.”
In addition, El-Seirafy pointed to EGX’s continued efforts to strengthen the governance frameworks of listed companies, encouraging greater representation of women in leadership roles. She also discussed the exchange’s educational programs, which highlight the positive effects of diversity, particularly in boardrooms. Studies consistently show that gender balance contributes to improved financial performance and stronger market growth, further reinforcing the importance of these initiatives.
Milestones in Women’s Economic Empowerment in Egypt
Dr. Marian Kaldas, Executive Director of the Egyptian Center for Optional Arbitration and Dispute Resolution, and a member of Egypt’s National Council for Women, commended Egypt’s leadership under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for its unwavering commitment to empowering women across all sectors. She stated, “Under President El-Sisi’s leadership, Egypt has achieved significant progress in elevating the role of women, especially in the economic and financial domains.”
Moreover, Kaldas referenced the 2030 Women’s Empowerment Strategy, which is designed to increase women’s participation in the workforce and improve their representation in decision-making roles. According to recent reports from the Egyptian Stock Exchange, the percentage of women serving on boards of listed companies increased to 23.3% in 2023, reflecting tangible progress toward gender parity in the financial sector.
IFC’s Role in Advancing Gender Diversity in Finance
Omar Siala, Regional Director for North Africa and the Horn of Africa at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), praised the role that gender equality plays in advancing economic productivity. He said, “Gender equality is a catalyst for more dynamic and sustainable economies. The IFC is proud to work alongside the Egyptian Stock Exchange and other partners to enhance women’s participation in the workforce and support women-led businesses through targeted financial services.”
The IFC has been instrumental in empowering women in Egypt by providing resources and financial expertise aimed at unlocking their full economic potential. As a result, these efforts contribute to the broader goal of fostering inclusive economic growth.
Global Recognition for Egypt’s Gender Equality Efforts
Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges, recognized EGX’s leadership in driving gender equality within financial markets. She stated, “The Egyptian Stock Exchange has set a remarkable example in promoting gender equality and fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem. Their commitment to this cause is evident in their continued efforts to diversify boardrooms and increase female representation in financial leadership.”
Sukumar also noted that the “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” campaign, which celebrates its 11th year in 2025, has expanded globally. Stock exchanges across the world have now joined in this effort to raise awareness about the importance of gender diversity in capital markets, further amplifying the global momentum for gender equality in finance.
Empowering Women for a Sustainable Future
Mervat Alameddine, Acting Head of the UN Women Egypt Office, reflected on the global commitment to gender equality, marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. She said, “While we celebrate this milestone, it’s important to recognize the ongoing work required to accelerate women’s economic empowerment. Providing women with the tools, skills, and opportunities to lead is essential to achieving sustainable development goals globally and within Egypt.”
In conclusion, Alameddine emphasized the crucial role that investing in women’s leadership and economic participation plays in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
