Summary
This comprehensive analysis explores investment deals across Southeast Asia for 2017-2019 and details the advancements and trends in gender lens investing from January to December 2020. The report assesses various investment types and their outcomes, particularly focusing on how these investments impact women’s economic participation and promote gender equity. The analysis offers insights into the regional distribution of deals, the sectors attracting the most investments, and the effectiveness of these investments in fostering sustainable economic growth and equality. The findings highlight significant opportunities for enhancing the focus on gender-responsive strategies within investment practices to drive regional economic development. This report was developed to provide stakeholders with detailed insights into the dynamics of gender lens investing in Southeast Asia, supporting informed decision-making for future investments.
Highlights
- The report identifies a notable increase in gender lens investments in 2020, with significant contributions to women’s economic empowerment.
- It emphasises the growing investor interest in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and sustainable agriculture, which are pivotal for gender equality.
- The analysis shows that investments with a gender lens tend to yield robust returns, reinforcing the business case for gender-focused investment strategies.
- Challenges remain in attracting and retaining female investors and entrepreneurs, suggesting a need for targeted support structures and policies.
- Recommendations include enhancing data collection on gender impacts and increasing engagement with local stakeholders to deepen gender integration in investment processes.
