DSE Boosts Women’s Participation in Stock Market

DSE Strengthens Efforts to Promote Gender Equality in Stock Market

DAR ES SALAAM: The Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has reinforced its commitment to bridging the gender gap in financial markets by raising awareness and collaborating with banks to introduce investment products tailored for women.

Although women constitute 51% of Tanzania’s population, they represent only 40% of investors in the stock market and collective investment schemes. This disparity highlights the need for targeted strategies to enhance female participation in the capital markets.

DSE Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Nalitolela, emphasized that women face unique challenges, including limited access to capital and lower involvement in productive economic activities. Speaking at the ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ forum, he urged for innovative solutions to foster inclusivity.

“We need a new way of thinking to bridge the gender gap,” said Mr. Nalitolela, underscoring the role of technology in reshaping financial inclusion and empowering women in investment.

Technology and Policy Interventions to Drive Change

Key stakeholders at the forum stressed the importance of policy reforms, investment strategies, and tech-driven solutions to boost women’s economic participation. UN Women Country Representative, Ms. Hodan Addou, called for stronger advocacy to ensure equitable opportunities for women and girls.

While Tanzania has made notable strides in girls’ education, she pointed out that challenges such as gender-based violence and restricted access to affordable financing continue to hinder women’s financial independence.

IFC’s Collaboration with Financial Institutions

Recognizing gender equality as a catalyst for economic growth, IFC Country Manager, Martine Valcin, highlighted the organization’s ongoing partnerships with financial institutions such as CRDB and NMB. These collaborations aim to develop specialized financial products designed for women entrepreneurs and female-led businesses.

Strengthening Policy Implementation

Ambassador John Ulanga, Director of the Department of Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, stressed the importance of refining existing policies. He cited the public procurement regulation, which mandates that 30% of government purchases be sourced from women-owned businesses, urging for enhanced implementation to maximize its impact.

As Tanzania continues to push for gender parity in financial markets, initiatives like these are expected to create a more inclusive and equitable investment landscape, empowering more women to participate in economic growth.