[Joint Press Release]
Lalitpur, Nepal — To reaffirm the commitment of Nepal to gender-inclusive financial policies in the context of International Women’s Day 2025, UN Women, Global Compact Nepal, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Nepal Stock Exchange, with support from the Government of Finland and the European Union, jointly organized the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event on 20 March 2025, in Lalitpur, Nepal.
The event brought together leaders from the finance, business and development sectors to promote gender-inclusive financial policies and showcase the Women's Empowerment Principles as a framework to drive business success.
Ring the Bell takes place in over 110 stock exchanges worldwide, advocating for WEPs and equal opportunities for women in the workforce, economy and capital markets.
This year, under the theme Ring the Bell for Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nepal, participants highlighted strategies, challenges and the way forward for women’s economic empowerment.
Patricia Fernandez-Pacheco, Country Representative of UN Women, said at the event: "It is important to address systemic barriers and support women in finance because it is not just about fairness, it's about unlocking growth, innovation and opportunity for all. Women across Nepal and in the world are taking bold steps despite massive challenges, but they should not do it alone so let us create a world where every woman has the financial power to build her own dreams,"
Shovakanta Paudel, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Chairperson of Nepal Stock Exchange, said: “While Nepal has made good progress in political inclusion, it must also do more to increase women's inclusion in finance. We have to address technology, finance, business and literacy all together to increase women's participation in the banking and credit sector and their economic opportunities."
Riina-Riikka Heikka, Ambassador of Finland, renewed commitment of Finland to supporting Nepal in its growth and talked about the role that its women entrepreneurs are playing while it graduates from least developing countries status.
She said, “Together, with strong partnerships and accelerated action, we can create a more equal and prosperous future for all.”
Veronique Lorenzo, Ambassador of the European Union. said, " The European Union is ready to work with private sector and women towards gender parity in the formal economy."
The event further showcased the Women’s Empowerment Principles in action. Established by UN Women and United Nations Global Compact, the principles offer guidance to businesses on how to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
Mehtap Tatar, Deputy Representative UN Women, highlighted how implementing the Women’s Empowerment Principles not only fosters workplace equality but also drives profitability, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Nirmal Dahal, Country Officer of IFC, highlighted its private sector initiatives to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for women.
He said, “Through the Women on Boards and in Business Leadership programme we are working with exchanges, securities regulators, and issuers, to break down barriers and grow the pipeline of women in decision-making positions - thereby making impactful changes.”