DSE reveals women’s role in markets

 

Florian Jamax

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange (DSE) has said women hold 35.5 per cent of investment accounts, reflecting progress in gender inclusion while underscoring the ongoing gap with male investors and the need for targeted initiatives to boost female participation.

The statement was made by the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange Chief Executive Officer Mr Peter Nalitolela during the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event over the weekend, held in observance of International Women’s Day.

According to him, the number translates to about 282,000 accounts out of nearly 800,000 investor accounts currently registered at the bourse, underscoring the need for stronger awareness campaigns and targeted initiatives to bring more women into the capital markets.

He said the gap reflects a long-standing structural challenge in many economies where women tend to participate less in formal investment activities despite their growing role in economic development.

“This is largely a historical challenge observed not only in Tanzania but globally, where women have often lagged behind men in economic activities, including investment,” he said.

He emphasised that expanding women’s participation in the stock market could play a key role in strengthening financial independence and enabling women to mobilise capital for business growth and wealth creation.

“We must continue encouraging women to open investment accounts and use the stock market as a platform to grow their capital and participate more actively in economic development,” Mr Nalitolela said.

The event, themed “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls,” organised by the DSE in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact Network Tanzania is part of a global campaign led by the UN and partners to highlight the importance of women’s economic empowerment and inclusive participation in financial markets.

The Acting Country Representative for Tanzania at the United Nations, Katherine Gifford said increasing women’s participation in leadership and financial decision-making spaces is crucial for sustainable national development.

She noted that Tanzania has recorded notable progress in advancing gender equality, particularly through policy and legislative reforms designed to strengthen women’s rights and opportunities.

“Tanzania has made encouraging progress in addressing gender inequalities, especially through policy and legislative reforms, but persistent gaps remain that require continued attention,” Ms Gifford said.

Meanwhile, Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact Network Tanzania, Marsha MacattaYambi said gender equality, particularly in workplaces plays a vital role in enhancing institutional performance.