The need to increase women’s participation in the capital market ecosystem has once again been highlighted as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, emphasized that greater involvement of women as investors and professionals would deepen the market and strengthen the foundation for sustainable development.
Also speaking on the role of development finance institutions in promoting gender inclusion, the Regional Industry Manager for Financial Institutions at the International Finance Corporation for Central Africa and Anglophone West Africa, Claude Owona, highlighted the importance of capital markets in translating commitments to gender equality into tangible economic outcomes.
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“Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is both symbolic and practical, because capital markets do not just reflect economies, they shape them. When women have equitable access to finance, leadership opportunities, and safe, inclusive workplaces, companies perform better and economies grow stronger. At IFC, we are proud to partner with NGX Group on market‑driven solutions that expand women’s participation as leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees, recognizing that inclusive growth is not aspirational, it is investable, and it is essential for long‑term resilience and shared prosperity,” she said.
For her part, the media entrepreneur and founder of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, encouraged women to pursue their ambitions with clarity and confidence.
“For me, it comes down to four things, purpose, passion, progress, and power. Find your purpose, let passion fuel your journey, stay consistent even when challenges arise, and most importantly, stand firmly in your power. Do not shrink,” she said.
Also, Award-winning actor and filmmaker, Funke Akindele urged women to pursue their ambitions with discipline and courage.
“To every woman out there, you can do it. But beyond the words, we must put in the hard work, build structure into our businesses, and do things the right way. It takes courage to take the first step even when you’re not ready, courage to stay consistent when no one is clapping, and courage to hold firmly to your vision,” she said.
The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony celebrated the contributions of women to Nigeria’s capital markets and the broader economy while reinforcing the need for sustained action to close gender gaps in leadership, finance, and opportunity.
The 2026 edition was organized by the Nigerian Exchange Group and other stakeholders in collaboration with global partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the United Nations Global Compact, and the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSEI).