(Vienna) On the occasion of International Women's Day 2020 Angelika Sommer-Hemetsberger (Vienna Stock Exchange/OeKB) and Wiebke Schlömer (IFC) opened today's market by ringing the stock exchange bell. With the initiative "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality", the Vienna Stock Exchange is joining 75 exchanges on all continents in the promotion of diversity.
"Maria Theresia was the founder of the Vienna Stock Exchange in 1771. What a legacy and role model at the same time. In times of a truly global economy, equal opportunity is essential to foster sustainable growth. Equality and inclusion of all gender and nationalities bring a better working environment on every level," said Angelika Sommer-Hemetsberger, vice-president of Wiener Börse AG's supervisory board and management board member of Oesterreichische Kontrollbank.
"Stock exchanges are uniquely positioned to influence their markets and promote sustainability. We welcome their efforts in promoting gender equality throughout the workplace – including at the top – as a business strategy to enhance performance," said Wiebke Schlömer, International Finance Corporation Director for Europe and Central Asia.
The Vienna Stock Exchange is in constant dialogue with companies, the legislator, trading participants. It has been committed to international and sustainable standards in the region for decades. The Austrian National Stock Exchange promotes the financial inclusion of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin and expertise, through seminars and numerous collaborations.
The "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" event was initiated by IFC, Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative (SSE), UN Global Compact, UN Women, Women in ETFs and the World Federation of Exchanges.
About the Vienna Stock Exchange
The Vienna Stock Exchange is the only securities exchange in Austria. It features a modern infrastructure and supplies market data and relevant information. It offers Austrian companies maximum visibility, high liquidity and utmost transparency. Investors can rely on the smooth and efficient execution of exchange trades. The Vienna Stock Exchange operates a central market datafeed for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and is well established as an expert for the calculation of indices with a reference to the region. It cooperates with over ten stock exchanges in CEE and is highly appreciated worldwide for this unique know-how.
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