Minister of Investment, EGX Chairman and Chairperson of the National Council for Women Ring the Bell for Gender Equality

In cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), The United Nations
Global Compact network and The Egyptian Institute of Directors (EIOD), The Egyptian
Exchange (EGX) held a ringing of bell ceremony and conference celebrating women’s
empowerment week.
H.E. Dr. Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment & International Cooperation participated in
the opening of trading session, on the occasion of international women’s day, in the
presence of Mohamed Farid Saleh, Chairman of EGX, Walid Labadi, country manager,
Egypt, Libya & Yamen-IFC, Maya Morsi president of Egypt’s National Council for Women
along with representatives from entities supporting women’s empowerment.
Dr. Sahar Nasr, Minister of Investment & International Cooperation confirmed that
empowering women from the economic perspective contributes in promoting economic
growth and achieving economic and social development, noting that the Investment law
states stipulates gender equality. She added that as a mean of supporting women
entrepreneurs and women’s projects, the ministry dedicated 50% of its grants for
women.
Mohamed Farid, Chairman of The Egyptian Exchange, stated EGX’s full commitment to
support all efforts to empower women and strengthen their role in the political,
economic and social aspects as a key partner in achieving economic inclusion and
sustainable development. He continued that EGX’s board focuses on supporting women.
He noted that global studies demonstrated that the participation of women in senior
leadership positions had positive impact in corporate performance. Farid continued;
“the representation of women on boards of listed companies rose to 10.2% in 2018
compared to 9.6% in 2017. 45% of listed companies have at least one female among
their board members”.
It is worth mentioning that EGX signed an MOU with the business school at American
University in Cairo (AUC) in July 2017 to enhance the participation and representation of
women on boards of listed companies. EGX is working in coordination with the AUC to
create a database for women employees capable of joining corporate boards, in parallel
with the evolution of women’s participation on boards of listed companies.