NMB Bank Joins 6th Annual ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ to Drive Inclusive Growth

3rd April 2026, Kathmandu

Reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable and inclusive banking, NMB Bank recently participated in the 6th Annual ‘Ring the Bell for Gender Equality’ event in Kathmandu.

6th Annual Ring Bell

Organized by UN Women Nepal in collaboration with the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Global Compact Nepal, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward gender-smart finance.

The 2026 event, anchored by the global theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” focused on moving beyond high-level dialogue to implement measurable market actions that empower women in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

Walking the Talk: CEO Govind Ghimire on Gender-Smart Finance

As a keynote speaker at the event, NMB Bank CEO Govind Ghimire delivered a compelling call to action for the Nepalese private sector. Highlighting that NMB Bank’s commitment to equality is a core business strategy rather than a social formality, he urged industry peers to prioritize execution.

“It is easy to talk about philosophy, but action is more important and harder. Let’s walk the talk,” Ghimire stated.

He emphasized that for an economy to be truly stable and prosperous, inclusion must be the engine driving it. His remarks underscored NMB Bank’s focus on three critical pillars:

Expanding Access to Finance: Bridging the MSME financing gap for women-led enterprises.

Leadership Diversity: Breaking the “gender imbalance” in boardrooms and executive decision-making.

Economic Empowerment: Creating a concrete pathway for women to realize their full economic rights.

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GESI Framework: Institutionalizing Inclusion at NMB Bank

NMB Bank’s participation in the 6th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality is a reflection of its robust Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) framework. This framework ensures that diversity is embedded across all levels of the bank’s operations:

Women-Only Branches: NMB has pioneered the launch of woman-led and women-only branches across all seven provinces to provide a comfortable and empowering banking environment.

EmpowerHER Initiative: A dedicated leadership program that prepares female staff for high-level executive and management roles.

Inclusive Workplace Targets: The bank is actively working toward a balanced workforce, aiming for a 50% female employee ratio by 2027.

Sustainable Banking: As a previous winner of the WEP (Women’s Empowerment Principles) Award, NMB Bank continues to align its capital with inclusive economic goals.

A Global Movement for Local Impact

The “Ring the Bell” initiative is part of a global campaign involving over 115 stock exchanges worldwide. In Nepal, the 2026 edition highlighted the central role of the private sector in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By standing alongside government regulators and development partners, NMB Bank reaffirmed that investing in women is not just a social good; it is a smart business decision.

As the bank continues to innovate its financial solutions, it remains dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual has the equitable opportunity to lead, grow, and thrive.

Quick Facts: 6th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality (2026)

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