DSE, IFC host 'women on boards' session to strengthen female corporate leadership

The workshop, supported by the Embassy of Denmark in Bangladesh, was held on Sunday at the DSE Tower in the city, said a press release today.

The event brought together leading female representatives from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh (ICAB), Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), and various listed companies.

In her welcome address, DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar said increasing women's representation on corporate boards is vital for ensuring professionalism, transparency, and effective leadership.

She emphasized the importance of building a strong network and developing a comprehensive database of skilled female professionals to strengthen their presence in boardrooms.

During the event, Corporate Governance Officer, IFC Lopa Rahman conducted an interactive session on the role of boards in corporate governance, focusing on the duties and legal liabilities of directors in the Bangladeshi context.

Her presentation also highlighted governance frameworks, sustainability standards, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices.

Another session on financial governance was led by Zareen Mahmud Hosein, who underlined the critical role of boards in ensuring transparency, accountability, and sound financial management within organizations.

The "Women on Boards" initiative is part of IFC's Integrated Environmental, Social and Governance (iESG) Project, which seeks to strengthen private sector governance and promote sustainable development through diverse and inclusive leadership.

Closing the programme, DSE Chief Financial Officer Md. Abid Hossain Khan said listed companies are advancing rapidly, but long-term sustainability requires the multidimensional perspectives that diverse boards can provide.