A new study conducted by the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) puts Bangladesh at the top in South Asia when it comes to women’s leadership in listed firms. In 2021, women directors in listed firms were around six percent in comparison to five percent in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.  

“A 2020 IFC-DSE study showed at the time around 18 percent of listed company board directors were women, that has remained the same. In terms of women on boards of listed companies, Bangladesh still tops the South Asia region,” the IFC was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. 

The pandemic affected women's corporate leadership disproportionately. However, Bangladesh managed to do better despite all odds, the IFC said in an event marking International Women's Day. The IFC, DSE, UN Women, and United Nations Global Compact organized the program.  

"As Bangladesh embarks upon its graduation from the LDC category, ensuring gender equality is all the more critical for a sustainable transition that leaves no one behind," Nathalie Chuard, ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh, said at the event. 

Tarique Amin Bhuiyan, managing director of DSE, said, “Advancing womens' roles in companies will not only create a more diverse leadership team but will also serve to help private sector companies create value, bring new ideas, boost transparency and promote inclusive growth."

 
(SAM)