UN Global Compact Network Ghana, Ghana Stock Exchange & Partners Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

Leaders from across Ghana’s financial and private sectors convened to explore how capital markets can expand equitable access to finance for women and women-owned businesses.

The UN Global Compact Network Ghana joined partners and stakeholders at the 2026 Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event hosted by the Ghana Stock Exchange in partnership with the International Finance Corporation and in collaboration with UN Women, the United Nations Global Compact, the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, and the World Federation of Exchanges. The event was held at the World Bank Group offices in Accra and formed part of a global initiative that brings together stock exchanges, regulators, investors, and private sector leaders to accelerate progress on gender equality.

Observed annually in many financial centers around the world, the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative highlights the critical role that capital markets and financial institutions play in advancing women’s economic empowerment. The 2026 event was held under the World Federation of Exchanges global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the need for tangible actions that promote fairness, inclusion, and opportunity for women across all sectors of the economy.

The event brought together leaders and stakeholders from the financial, agriculture, fashion, and broader private sectors to explore how capital markets can expand equitable access to finance for women and women-owned businesses. Discussions focused on the structural barriers that continue to limit women’s access to financial services and investment opportunities, and the importance of designing financial products, policies, and investment frameworks that intentionally support women entrepreneurs.

Participants highlighted the growing recognition that gender equality is not only a social imperative but also a critical driver of sustainable economic growth. Ensuring that women have equal access to capital, financial services, and investment opportunities can significantly contribute to productivity, innovation, and economic resilience. As Ghana continues to strengthen its capital markets and financial systems, inclusive financing mechanisms are increasingly seen as essential to unlocking the full potential of the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Key discussions during the event emphasized the importance of developing inclusive financing solutions that respond to the specific needs of women-led enterprises, strengthening consumer protection frameworks within financial systems, and mobilizing both public and private capital to drive equitable economic growth. Stakeholders also underscored the role that capital markets can play in promoting transparency, accountability, and corporate governance practices that support gender equality within companies.

Delivering the keynote address, Tolu Lacroix, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana, emphasized the significant contributions women make to business performance and organizational success.

“Women have natural loyalty to companies—through nurturing and contributing significantly to organizations’ operations—and that translates into better growth, stability, and high performance across the globe,” he noted.

He further highlighted that as companies continue to strengthen their commitments to responsible and sustainable business practices, advancing gender equality—particularly in financial access—remains critical to building resilient and inclusive economies.

The participation of the UN Global Compact Network Ghana in the event reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting Ghana’s private sector in advancing responsible business practices aligned with global sustainability principles. Through partnerships with financial institutions, regulators, and corporate leaders, the Network continues to promote policies and initiatives that strengthen gender equality and inclusive economic growth.

The Network also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with partners across the financial ecosystem to encourage greater investment in women-led businesses, promote gender-responsive corporate governance, and support private sector action toward the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality.

As conversations around inclusive finance continue to gain momentum globally and locally, initiatives such as the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality serve as an important platform for mobilizing action, strengthening partnerships, and encouraging the financial sector to play a more active role in advancing women’s economic empowerment.

The UN Global Compact Network Ghana remains proud to support these important conversations and will continue working with partners across sectors to promote gender equality, inclusive finance, and sustainable business practices that contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for Ghana.

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