Online Desk: A roundtable workshop on ‘Valuing Women in the Financial Markets in Bangladesh’ was held on Thursday in Dhaka highlighting the importance of investing in women.

In celebration of the International Women’s Day, the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh joined hands with the Embassy of France, the Embassy of Sweden, the High Commission of the United Kingdom, the High Commission of Australia, the Embassy of the Netherlands and the United Nations Resident Coordinator to jointly host the event at the official residence of the High Commissioner of Canada.

The objectives of the event were to highlight the benefits of Gender Lens investing (GLI) in Bangladesh; and introduce the Orange Movement creating a world where gender equality is the norm and paving the way for a sustainable future in alignment with the Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041.

The presenter Prof. Durreen Shahnaz is the founder and CEO of Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), a social stock exchange supporting businesses providing development solutions.

IIX, is a pioneer and global leader in impact investing and sustainability, transforming the financial system so that women and underserved communities are finally given value and a voice in the global market.

Bangladesh is Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing economy with an average annual GDP growth of ~6.5%.

The Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041 aims for a Smart Society and Smart Economy.

This workshop introducing the Orange Movement campaign and raising awareness of the benefits of GLI may help Bangladesh close the gender gap in labour force participation, elevating GDP per capita by 0.5-0.7% on average, said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.

A 10% rise in female employment could boost GDP by 3.1%.