Ring the Bell for Gender Equality: Advocating Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for All Women and Girls
ACLEDA Bank, the first commercial bank to list its securities in Cambodia, announced its collaboration with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MoEF), the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), the Securities and Exchange Regulator of Cambodia (SERC), and the Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) to conduct the event 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment' on March 25, 2025.
This Ring the Bell for Gender Equality was celebrated under the highest presidency of H.E. Sou Socheat, Delegation of Royal Government in charge as Director General of the SERC; Keov Chakriya, Secretary of State of the MoEF; H.E. Hong Sok Hour, Royal Government Delegate in Charge as CEO of the CSX; Joseph Scheuer, UN Resident Coordinator and Representative of UN Women Cambodia; Kanu Negi, First Secretary of Australian Embassy in Cambodia; and Mar Amara, President & Group Managing Director at interim of ACLEDA BANK. The event was also attended by other representatives of ministries and institutions, and national and international distinguished guests.
In his keynote remarks, H.E. Sou Socheat stated that gender-inclusive businesses with more women playing a significant role can perform better and attract different talents, as well as contribute to the effective and sustainable development of institutions.
He stated:
The event today is not just to fulfill the tradition of ringing a bell, but an appeal to make real efforts and jointly participate in supporting gender equality. This is not just about social justice or human rights, it is a fundamental factor of driving growth in the national economy.
"Gender equality is not a 'should have' but a 'must have.' It is essential for opening new opportunities for competitiveness,” he added.
The SERC Director General also highlighted how gender diversity in an organisation can enhance company performance, potentially earning up to 25 per cent more than their peers, according to a study by McKinsey. Additionally, addressing the gender gap can increase revenue, contributing positively to the GDP.
In her remarks, Mar Amara expressed gratitude to UN Women and the UN Global Compact, as well as the relevant regulators – the SERC and CSX – for co-organising the ‘Ring the Bell for All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment’ event.
She stated:
On this special occasion, we come together not only to raise awareness but to enhance a movement that champions the rights and empowerment of women and girls everywhere. As a leading commercial bank in the banking sector, ACLEDA Bank actively engages in the diversity and inclusion challenge, ensuring that women's voices are heard and valued at all levels. Together, we advocate for gender equality and empowerment for all women and girls, thereby ensuring wider social and economic benefits.
She added that as of the end of February 2025, ACLEDA Bank has a total of 11,924 employees, with 4,691 women, accounting for 39.34 per cent (including four female and four male top managers) under her direct leadership. Additionally, there are a total of 2,130 employees at the management level, of which 696 are women, accounting for 32.68 per cent.
Furthermore, ACLEDA Bank has a total of 19,891 public shareholders, including 8,101 females, accounting for 40.73 per cent. This indicates a significant trend towards inclusivity and diversification in the investment landscape, highlighting the growing role of women in financial markets.
“We believe that gender equality is not just a fundamental human right but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world," Amara added. "When women and girls are empowered, entire communities thrive. Their contributions to the economy, society, and culture are invaluable, and it is our duty to ensure that they have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.”
ACLEDA Bank has four subsidiaries, including ACLEDA University of Business, ACLEDA Securities Plc., ACLEDA Bank Lao Ltd., and ACLEDA MFI Myanmar, as well as a representative office in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. By the end of December 2024, ACLEDA Bank had USD 10.83 billion in total assets and USD 8.36 billion in total savings deposits, serving over 5.52 million customers. ACLEDA Bank also had more than 0.54 million business partners and 4.48 million subscribers to the ACLEDA Super App.
This article is adapted from a supplied press release.