Alison Crocket, the Acting Governor, and Tinée Furbert, the Social Development and Seniors Minister, were today at Exchange House on Pitts Bay Road, the new home of the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX), for the eighth annual “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” campaign.

Exchange House is in the final stages of construction for new office space for the BSX headquarters and the first international commercial location for its parent company, the MIAX Group of Exchanges.

The Bermuda exchange was participating in an event with 118 exchanges and clearing houses worldwide to foster gender equality and women’s empowerment at work and in the marketplace, while also highlighting the major contributions women make globally to the strategic direction, policy development, operations and management of exchanges and clearing houses.

BSX CEO Greg Wojciechowski said it was an important initiative carried out in partnership with the World Federation of Exchanges, the International Finance Corporation, the Sustainable Stock Exchange initiative, the UN Global Compact and United Nations Women.

The UN Women’s theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”.

The BSX chief said the theme recognises the contributions of women around the world who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation and response to build a more sustainable future for all.

“Becoming a more diverse and inclusive company to reflect the community at large is an important initiative for us at BSX,” he said.

“By promoting an inclusive culture that supports a diverse array of talented professionals, we aim to successfully add value to the relationships we build with our employees and business partners, and ultimately create value for our shareholders.”

Meanwhile, Tonni Brodber, Representative of UN Women Multi Country Office – Caribbean stated: “Gender equality is better for countries’ economic success on a macro-economic level.”

She addressed those gathered at Exchange House through a video message.

She continued: “Research has shown that companies that are intentional about their implementation of gender equality and women’s empowerment policies are more profitable.

“We are delighted to have the Bermuda Stock Exchange demonstrate their commitment to gender equality by joining this initiative.

“We look forward to engaging more members of the private sector in Bermuda to join us by developing mechanisms that incorporate a gender perspective and thereby achieve a greater impact on gender equality and women's empowerment.”

BSX chairman and MIAX chairman and CEO Thomas P. Gallagher previously commented: “BSX is committed to developing a rich culture, a diverse workforce, and a healthy sustainable environment where everyone can play a part in the success of the company and at the same time achieve their individual full potential.

“As a company, we are fully committed to balancing the gender scales by increasing opportunities for the professional development and advancement of women at MIAX and BSX.”