Gender equality

A new UN report reveals how impact funds can strengthen gender lens investing to drive inclusive and sustainable development beyond surface-level impact.

The Swedish DFI has made its first investment in Côte D’Ivoire since the opening of its regional office in West Africa.

Spitzer marshals a strong case for giving unheard women’s voices a platform, so that they can “help hold up half the sky”, writes Christopher Walker.

Investments in low-income or least-developed countries totalled €1.2bn, while Africa took in the largest share of total new commitments, according to the Association of European Development Finance Institutions.

Can you tackle divisions in society by investing in start-ups that are committed to equal opportunities and inclusion? Wealthy Dutch and Flemish families are giving it a shot.

Legal & General Capital has committed a further $100m to the impact investment advisory firm which provides debt financing for sustainable infrastructure projects in the Global South.

According to the European Woman in VC’s survey, only 9% of assets under management are managed by female fund managers, despite the correlation between gender diversity and superior performance.

Microfinance institution SATYA has secured debt funding from the two European institutions to expand their reach and improve outcomes for millions of low income households in India.

The US backlash against ESG is broadening, moving from mainly focusing on environmental issues to target diversity, equity and inclusion. European investors are being drawn in, writes Christopher Walker.

The Southeast Asia Women’s Economic Empowerment Fund, backed by Danish pension fund Pӕdagogernes Pension, has invested in Teky Alpha JSC to support childhood education in Vietnam.