Jamaica’s Ring The Bell Ceremony Chimes in on the Global Campaign to raise awareness of gender equality on International Women’s Day

08 March, 2024, Kingston, Jamaica: The Jamaica Stock Exchange officially marked International Women's Day with the Honourable Olivia Grange - Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Ringing The Bell to raise awareness of the pivotal role the private sector can play in advancing gender equality.

The Honourable Minister Olivia Grange- Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport rings the bell at the Jamaica Stock Exchange on International Women’s Day surrounded by critical gender equality stakeholders. Photo Compliments: Jamaica Stock Exchange

UN Women Multi-Country Office – Caribbean Representative Tonni Brodber participated virtually in the Ring The Bell ceremony saying that there are still barriers that hinder women entrepreneurs’ equal opportunity and access to markets.

She added that ringing the bell, “highlights the commitment and collaborative efforts amongst the private sector and government to promote gender equality.”

Also participating in the bell ringing was Dr. Marlene Street Forrest – Managing Director, JSE; Her Excellency Angie Martinez - Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica; and Thalia Lyn - Former CEO of Island Grill, Jamaica and Social Stock Ambassador.

Sharing a light moment: L-R Dr. Marlene Street Forrest – Managing Director, JSE; Her Excellency Angie Martinez - Dominican Republic Ambassador to Jamaica; Thalia Lyn -Former CEO of Island Grill, Jamaica and Social Stock Ambassador; and Monique Long, Planning & Coordination Specialist at UN Women MCO Caribbean.

For the 10th year, 110 stock exchanges around the world hosted bell ringing ceremonies on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.

Exchanges that have participated in the campaign over the past ten years have made progress on closing gender gaps by increasing women’s access to finance and encouraging women to invest in public markets, developing new products, such as sustainability-linked bonds with gender criteria and gender bonds, or ensuring that trading companies meet gender equality standards and disclose gender data.

A cross section of the audience present at the Ring the Bell Ceremony at the Jamaica Stock Exchange

The Ring the Bell for Gender Equality campaign represents an opportunity to raise awareness of gender equality in the private sector, particularly in relation to the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs);  UN Women’s work in relation to the broader economy, financial and labour market, sustainable development; and the 2024 IWD theme.

Are you the CEO or senior manager at a  private sector company who would like guidance on how to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community? Click this link on how UN Women MCO – Caribbean can support this business goal: https://www.weps.org/join.