The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) today hosted the ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2026’ ceremony at its headquarters in Mumbai, bringing together leaders from the financial ecosystem, policymakers, global institutions, and industry stakeholders to reaffirm the role of capital markets in accelerating gender equality and inclusive economic growth.

The event was part of the global ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ initiative led by UN Women, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, the World Federation of Exchanges, and the United Nations Global Compact. Observed annually by stock exchanges across the world, the initiative highlights the critical role financial markets play in advancing gender equality and encourages companies to adopt the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs).

Delivering the opening remarks, Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE, emphasised the importance of stronger representation of women across corporate leadership and financial markets. “Today, women make up nearly 25% of our registered investor base. Over the last decade itself, we have added roughly 2.5 crore women to the capital markets. Women are demonstrating a highly disciplined, long-term orientation to wealth creation, building a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead, to invest, and to thrive.”

Commenting on the occasion, Suhela Khan, Country Programme Manager – Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Officer-in-Charge, UN Women India Country Office, said: “Today’s bell ringing, along with the signing of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), reflects a growing commitment from businesses and capital market institutions to advance gender equality. By embedding these principles into leadership, workplace practices, and governance, companies can play a critical role in building more inclusive and resilient economies.”

The programme also featured special addresses from other key institutional partners, including representatives from IFC and the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. Speakers shared insights on advancing gender diversity in corporate leadership, building inclusive workplace cultures and expanding opportunities for women across the financial ecosystem.

The ceremony concluded with the symbolic ringing of the closing bell and a renewed commitment from participating organisations to the WEPs, reinforcing collective efforts to promote gender-inclusive workplaces and equal opportunities across corporate India.