Governments, institutions, communities and individuals have been urged to contribute in meaningful ways to women in society through giving them opportunities to gain innovation, leadership and progress.
The Chairperson of Young Women of Africa and advocate for youth and women's leadership, Duminga Ndala, made the call at the global "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality".
Ndala said when girls are given access to education, they gain a future filled with knowledge, creativity, and possibility.
Also, when women are given space at decision-making tables, they gain stronger democracies, more inclusive policies and sustainable development.
"Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" is an initiative hosted by the Namibia Securities Exchange (NSX), in partnership with the CFA Society of South Africa.
The event, held under the theme "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls", celebrates and recognises women's financial and investment contributions in business and the community.
It empowers women in the realms of the workplace, marketplace and community to discuss matters of importance.
"Of course, this year's theme is 'Gift to Gain', which means that you need to give more to society to gain. I think a classic example is that once women contribute to society, when women give opportunities to the virtual, or when women contribute to the economies, the economies grow because we are nature; we are nature; we are nature by nature," said Ndala.
Ndala said access to financial markets is one of the permanent challenges women face.
The Designate Managing Director for Corporate Segment at Old Mutual, Carmen Forster, said ringing the bell is not just about sound but a call to a gender-equal world.
"So there's been a drive to increase employment of women in investment and financial institutions, and I think that runs along with other companies where they're trying to increase the number of women who are represented at all levels in the country, from the lowest levels right to senior board members and directors."
The event was rounded off with women ringing the bell as a symbol of gender equality and to celebrate International Women's Day.