DSE, partners enhance gender equality in stock market
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has committed to raising awareness and collaborating with banks to create financial products that encourage more women to invest.
Despite women making up 51 per cent of the population, they account for only 40 per cent of investors in the stock market and collective investment schemes.
DSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Nalitolela, stressed the need for greater efforts to address the challenges women face in investing, such as limited capital and lack of involvement in production activities.
“We need a new way of thinking to bridge the gender gap,” he said at the ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality,’ forum, which focused on women’s empowerment in the economic sector, particularly in capital market investments.
Mr Nalitolela also highlighted the role of technology in reshaping gender dynamics and promoting financial inclusion.
Forum stakeholders emphasised policy interventions, investment and tech-driven solutions to boost women’s economic participation.
UN Women Country Representative, Ms Hodan Addou, called for stronger advocacy and policy reforms to ensure equal opportunities for women and girls.
She noted that while Tanzania has made progress in girls’ education, gender-based violence and women’s limited access to affordable loans remain significant challenges.
IFC Country Manager, Martine Valcin, highlighted gender equality as a key driver of economic growth, noting that the IFC is collaborating with financial institutions like CRDB and NMB to create products tailored for women and women-led businesses.
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The Director of the Department of Economic Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador John Ulanga, called for a review of policies like the public procurement regulation, which requires 30 per cent of goods to be purchased from women-owned businesses, to ensure effective implementation and progress toward gender equality.
