Gender Lens Investing Case Studies
Gender lens investing (GLI) is the integration of gender analysis into a new or existing investment process in order to achieve better social and financial outcomes. In a nutshell, GLI addresses the systematic barriers that prevent the equitable flow of demand-driven capital to women investors, entrepreneurs, as well as firms that employ women and/or have women in their supply chains.
CAFIID's Gender Lens Investing Community of Practice (GLI COP) formed in 2021 as a forum to support members to deepen their GLI knowledge, networks and practices. We represent over 30 CAFIID members who work across Latin America, Africa and Asia in a range of sectors.
These case studies have been developed to share examples of the GLI work of CAFIID members. It is our hope that these innovative GLI approaches will stimulate action and be a trigger to accelerate growth in this space.
Deetken Impact: Promoting Gender Lens Investing in Latin America and the Caribbean
Today, the Ilu Fund’s 25 portfolio companies are serving more than 775,000 clients of whom 75% identify as women and 26% reside in rural areas, as well as employing more than 7,500 individuals with formal and full-time work.
September, 2023
FinDev Canada: Advancing Gender Equality through the Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (EEGF)
Through its investments, EEGF addresses the energy needs of African women consumers and women business owners.
September, 2023
Australian Development Investments (ADI) and Sarona Asset Management: Advancing the Gender Impact of Investments
ADI’s approximately AUD 1 million investment to finance the lending portfolio of women-focused FinTechs has provided access to capital to over one million women-owned or led MSMEs.
September, 2023
MEDA: Addressing Gender Disparities in Access to Finance
The USD 200 million Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund has a GLI mandate and is systematically integrating gender diversity, equity and inclusion principles into all aspects of its operations.
September, 2023
Equality Fund: A New Model for Global Feminist Investing
Backed by a $300 million contribution from the Government of Canada, the Equality Fund unites gender-lens investing, bold government funding, and powerful, multi-sector philanthropy to unlock new capital for women's rights organizations and movements.
September, 2023
IDRC: Transforming the Care Economy through Impact Investing (TCEII) Program
TCEII uncovers the unique opportunity for GLI investors to directly invest in SMEs in the care economy, many of which are women-led and women-owned and also develop products and services that address women and girls’ needs.
September, 2023