OUR WORK
Gender Lens Investing
We deploy capital into funds that invest with a gender lens, including an IW funding window within Australian Development Investments (ADI). We also work with investors and industry networks to mainstream gender considerations across the investment process through peer-to-peer learning, case studies and industry data.
Challenges and Approaches
Gender Lens Investing (GLI) is a strategy or approach to investing that considers gender-based factors across the investment process to advance gender equality and better inform investment decisions. As such, GLI goes beyond simply investing in women-owned or -led businesses—it applies to a broader investment approach that includes: investing in businesses that promote gender equality; prioritising products and services that address challenges disproportionately affecting women and girls; and engaging a diverse range of investors to adopt gender-lens strategies in their portfolios
Since its inception, IW has been involved inbuilding the GLI ecosystem in Southeast Asia from the ground up.
By fostering partnerships with investors and industry networks, IW has deployed capital to support businesses benefiting women, while also equipping investors with the tools and knowledge to source, invest in, and grow these businesses. This foundational work not only demonstrated the business case for GLI but also laid the groundwork for sustainable, long-term change in gender-focused investment.
Investing in Women’s SMEs
Investing in Women is working to increase investment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that disproportionately benefit women in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Investing in Women is partnering with DFAT’s Australian Development Investments and with impact investors and their networks, as well as international and regional organisations, to amplify and scale this work.
Investing in Women aims to equip investors globally with the knowledge, business evidence, and practical tools to expand financing made available to SMEs that disproportionately benefit women.
Featured Resources
When Women Invest: Investor Profiles from Southeast Asia
World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap
Representation of Women in Healthcare: Preliminary Findings, Trends and Considerations for Impact Investors
Our Trusted Partners
