The conversation about economic growth is changing. Across boardrooms and business forums, a new question is gaining urgency: how can the economy unlock the full potential of women?
In Colombo, that conversation took centre stage as the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) joined global partners to highlight the importance of women’s economic empowerment and leadership in business.
To mark the initiative, the CSE, together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Women, and the United Nations Global Compact, held a ceremonial opening bell ringing aligned with International Women’s Day. The event forms part of a global effort encouraging businesses and financial markets to expand opportunities for women in the workforce and in leadership.
The latest figures show modest but steady progress.
Women’s representation on CSE-listed company boards has increased to 13.7 percent this year, up slightly from 13.4 percent in 2024. While the increase may appear small, it signals a gradual shift in corporate governance across listed companies.
Yet leaders say much more must be done.
Speaking at the event, Nilupa Perera, Chief Regulatory Officer of the CSE, emphasised the importance of representation in shaping future leadership.
“Women who enter any space of employment ask themselves whether there is a place for them, both in the company and in its leadership,” she said. “When women see strong female leaders, they are far more likely to aspire to those roles themselves.”
For global development institutions, the issue goes beyond equality alone. It is also about economic performance.
Gevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager for the World Bank Group in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, noted that inclusive growth cannot happen unless women are fully integrated into the workforce.
“When women are empowered and employed, the benefits extend far beyond individuals. It strengthens families and transforms entire communities,” he said.
Research increasingly shows that companies with balanced leadership teams often achieve stronger governance, better risk management, and more sustainable long-term performance.
Business leaders echoed the same message.
Jayanthi Dharmasena, Managing Director of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd, said unlocking women’s economic power is essential if the country hopes to achieve inclusive growth.
“If we want real progress, we must ensure women feel wanted in the workplace and valued for their contributions,” she said.
The initiative also received global support.
Nandini Sukumar, CEO of the World Federation of Exchanges, noted that stock exchanges worldwide are playing a role in promoting inclusive financial markets. These efforts help women access investment opportunities and build financial security.
The programme forms part of the “Ring the Bell for Gender Equality” initiative, a global partnership involving IFC, UN Women, the United Nations Global Compact, the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, and the World Federation of Exchanges.
This year, 114 stock exchanges and clearing houses worldwide are participating in the campaign.
For business leaders and policymakers alike, the message from the event was clear.
Unlocking women’s economic empowerment is not just a social goal. It is an economic strategy capable of driving jobs, innovation, and long-term inclusive growth.
Last modified: March 9, 2026
