Africa-Press – Angola. Cristina Lourenço, President of the Executive Committee of the Angolan Debt and Securities Exchange (BODIVA), acknowledged on Tuesday in Luanda that investments in women’s full participation in the economy and access to leadership represent a direct commitment to building a more innovative society.
Speaking at the second edition of the “Ringing the Bell for Gender Equality” event, the executive stressed that investing in girls’ education contributes to a more prosperous and balanced society.
She added that, as a member of the United Nations Global Compact and the World Federation of Exchanges, BODIVA assumes gender equality to be a cross-cutting priority, in line with its Strategic Plan for 2024–2028.
“We don’t see it as a symbolic gesture, but as a corporate and social responsibility. We recognize that inclusion starts within institutions, through the policies we adopt, the opportunities we create, the doors we open, and the impact we have on the wider ecosystem,” she said.
She also acknowledged that cultural and social barriers hinder the full development of many women, having highlighted the strength, resilience and transformative capacity of Angolan women who are leaders, educators, innovators, project managers and family and community supporters.
Cristina Lourenço said the event is a global meeting held in March during Women’s Month to reflect on and reaffirm that gender equality is an essential pillar for the sustainable development of Angola and the world.
According to Cristina Lourenço, ringing the bell simultaneously with stock exchanges around the world stands as a true call to action within organizations regarding their policies and decision-making processes on gender equality.
The workshop was organized by the Angolan Debt and Securities Exchange – Regulated Markets Management Company, an open company, in partnership with the United Nations Global Compact.
The central theme of the event was ‘Investing in Women, Accelerating Progress’, which forms part of the World Federation of Exchanges’ (WFE) annual gender equality campaign.
It brought together various stakeholders to consider their commitment to promoting gender equality and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
