Johannesburg, 10 March 2021 – The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has the best gender balance on boards of any developing country in the G20., according to a report released on International Women’s Day.
The “Stock Exchanges Gender Equality” analysis report, issued by the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative looks at the gender composition of boards from the top 100 companies by market capitalisation on each of the G20’s major (22) stock exchanges.
“We are honoured to be recognised in the Sustainable Stock Exchanges report on gender equality. The JSE remains committed to promoting gender equality at all levels of the organisation.” says JSE Group CEO, Leila Fourie.
“It is important to acknowledge, however, that while this is a step in the right direction, significant work remains to be done in the global quest for gender equality. Leadership teams set an important benchmark for any organisation and thus have an opportunity and a responsibility to drive transformation.” continues Fourie.
The JSE’s listings requirements necessitate all listed entities to have a policy on the promotion of broader diversity at board level and to report against this annually. As a corporate, the JSE Board of Directors has 60% female representation, while 66.7% of the JSE’s executive committee are women. The JSE supports gender disclosure as an essential part of progressing the United Nation’s Sustainable Development goals.
“The SSE report also highlights the high quality of female leadership across the world. In particular, South Africa is home to a number of highly regarded female leaders who actively support gender equality and represent our country at a very senior level. ” concludes Fourie.
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ABOUT THE SUSTAINABLE STOCK EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
The Sustainable Stock Exchange Initiative is a global platform that explores how exchanges, in collaboration with investors, companies (issuers), regulators, policymakers and relevant international organizations, can enhance performance on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) issues and encourage sustainable investment.
ABOUT THE JSE
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history operating as a market place for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself as being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent. The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 130 years.
As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates, unlocks value & makes real connections happen.
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