VANDERBIJLPARK – Andiswa Msi, campus chief director of the North-West University (NWU), joined leaders from business, academia, and international organisations at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality market opening ceremony.

The event marked a global call to advance gender equality and expand women’s participation in leadership and economic decision-making.

The ceremony formed part of global commemorations linked to International Women’s Day and the 11th edition of the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality initiative, held under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls”.

The global campaign is spearheaded by the World Federation of Exchanges and convenes the Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative, UN Global Compact, UN Women and the International Finance Corporation. Together, these organisations encourage businesses and financial institutions to advance gender representation and equality in the workplace, marketplace and broader society.

Reflecting on the event, Msi highlighted the important role universities play in shaping inclusive leadership and empowering women through education and professional development.

“Higher-education institutions are uniquely positioned to nurture future leaders and to create environments in which women can grow, lead, and influence change. By investing in the development of women, universities contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society,” she said.

The event also featured a keynote address by Leila Fourie, who called for organisations to move beyond symbolic commitments and redesign systems that support women throughout their careers.
“Maintaining momentum, especially when there is resistance, requires collective leadership, ethical influence and the willingness to redesign systems, not just tinkering at the edges,” Leila said.

Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe also addressed the gathering, emphasising that gender equality – recognised globally as UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 – is fundamental to inclusive economic growth and social justice.

Internally, the JSE highlighted its own progress, noting that women represent 60% of its board and 75% of its executive committee. The exchange also requires listed companies to adopt policies on gender representation at board level and publicly report on their progress.

For the NWU, Msi said participation in the event reaffirmed the importance of collaboration between universities, industry, and global institutions to advance gender equality and build inclusive opportunities for women and girls.