Bangkok: The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) and its partners have taken a significant step in promoting gender equality by organizing the 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' event on International Women's Day. This initiative aims to highlight the crucial role of women in driving a sustainable capital market.
According to Thai News Agency, the event was a collaborative effort by the SET, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Australian government, and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). It served as a platform to emphasize gender equality as a key economic driver, encouraging the practical application of equality principles by listed companies. The event also sought to enhance female leadership and expand business opportunities for women in the capital market.
The 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' event included a keynote lecture and a panel discussion focused on "Women's Leadership Beyond the Boardroom: Elevating the Role of Women in Supply Chains Towards a Fair and Stable Economy." This discussion highlighted the importance of integrating women into leadership roles beyond traditional boundaries.
Mr. Assadej Kongsiri, President and CEO of the SET, expressed the organization's commitment to promoting gender equality through its mission, "Gateway to Inclusive Opportunities." He highlighted that the SET currently employs approximately 67% female employees, with 48 female executives in leadership roles. Over 50% of the more than 500 listed companies on the exchange have policies supporting gender equality, with plans to expand this through cooperation with the SEC.
The 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' project is a global collaboration involving the World Federation of Exchanges, the International Finance Corporation, the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, the UN Global Compact, and UN Women. Held simultaneously across stock exchanges worldwide, the initiative underscores the importance of gender equality in sustainable economic growth and business competitiveness. It advocates for the implementation of Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) within organizations, focusing on diversity in leadership, equal compensation, and inclusive supply chains. These considerations are increasingly vital in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) dimensions and long-term investment strategies.