Under the Patronage of HRH Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein, Lord Chamberlain - President of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (HCD), The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), in collaboration with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact Jordan (UNGCJ), and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSE), proudly announces the 10th annual Ring the Bell (RTB) for Gender Equality event. This global initiative, taking place in 114 exchanges and CCPs worldwide, highlights the critical role of the private sector in advancing gender equality, empowering women in the workforce, and promoting inclusive and sustainable business practices.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative, led by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), has been raising awareness for gender equality across global stock exchanges for over a decade. The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) has actively participated in this global campaign for the past ten years, demonstrating Jordan’s commitment to promoting gender equality within its financial markets. Since first joining the initiative, ASE has consistently observed this annual event.
In 2022, ASE further strengthened its commitment by officially signing the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Continuing its dedication to gender equality, ASE hosted the 10th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality under the patronage of HRH Prince Mired Raad Zeid Al-Hussein. Held in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, this global initiative highlighted the private sector’s critical role in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
This year’s theme, "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," emphasized the need for systemic change to protect women's rights, break down barriers to leadership, and ensure equal opportunities in the workplace and beyond.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Mazen Wathaifi, CEO of Amman Stock Exchange, emphasized that empowered women play a pivotal role in community and societal development. Women’s perspectives can bring crucial insight to industries across the board. Women champion positive changes in areas like health, education, and overall societal well-being. They can not only influence change on an individual and collective level but also inspire those around them.
"Increasing economic opportunities for women is essential for driving growth in Jordan. Today’s event demonstrates our commitment towards this goal as we join forces with the Amman Stock Exchange and the private sector to recruit, retain, and promote more women in the workforce," said Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Mr. Nicolas Burniat , UN Women Representative to Jordan, shared that "Globally, women hold less than one-third of leadership positions in financial services. This is a clear sign of how women still do not have equal access to opportunities.” He emphasized that change “starts with recognizing the impact of women’s leadership; when women lead, businesses perform better, innovation thrives and economies grow. The private sector has the power to drive this change, and we see it in action with more than 190 companies in Jordan joining our WEPs network, signaling a commitment to progress. But this is just the beginning. The private sector holds the key to creating workplaces where women can rise and lead without barriers. True economic growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. And economies reach their full potential only when we leave no talent behind."
“Achieving gender equality is not just a moral imperative—it is an economic and business necessity. At the UN Global Compact Network Jordan, we believe that empowering women in the workplace, marketplace, and community is key to driving sustainable growth and innovation. With more than 190 companies in Jordan committed to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), we are witnessing a shift toward more inclusive business environments. However, there is still work to be done. By integrating gender equality into corporate strategies, fostering inclusive leadership, and ensuring equal opportunities, the private sector can be a powerful force for change. Together, we can build a future where women and girls are not just participants, but leaders in shaping Jordan’s economy and society.” said Mr. Jamal Fariz, UN Global Compact Network Jordan.
The event featured a panel discussion where RTB partners, private sector leaders, and gender equality advocates shared best practices and strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces. Moderated by Dr. Rasha Dayyat, Director of the Planning and Institutional Development Department at the Amman Stock Exchange, the discussion included key speakers namely Mr. Nicolas Burniat, UN Women Representative, H.E. Mrs. Nadia Alsaeed, CEO at Bank Al Etihad, Mr. Samer Al Madhoun, Managing Partner at Muhakat Institute and UNGCJ Board Member, and Mr. Muhannad Jarrah, Business Development Executive Director at INJAZ.
The event contributed to Jordan's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable business environment for women and girls. It aligned with national priorities, including Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, and supported the global push for gender equality in the corporate sector. The event emphasized the critical role of businesses in fostering inclusive workplaces and creating equitable opportunities for women and girls in Jordan.
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