Most investments with a gender lens support companies led by women serving women, but this is not enough. Setting the intention to improve the lives of women is crucial because it sets to transform the negative ways in which people perceive gender differences. NESsT created a step-by-step process to investors develop their own gender lens investing (GLI) strategy.
Four Reasons why NESsT Promotes Gender Lens Investing
As impact first investors, we have a responsibility to be more intentional in our investments and recognize how gender inclusion creates the comprehensive approach that is needed given the urgency of these issues. NESsT strives to achieve gender equality within its internal operations and encourages its portfolio companies to strive for gender parity within their operations.
The Social Case for Gender Lens Investing
Gender Lens Investing is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce gender inequality. Existing gendered inequalities such as lower labor force participation and lower wages, greater unpaid care responsibilities, limited access to resources and education contribute to a gendered poverty penalty that accounts for about 5 million more women living in extreme poverty across the world.
The Business Case for Gender Lens Investing
Gender Lens Investing: If you can't measure it, you can't improve it!
Women are key to alleviating poverty in emerging and low-income countries. NESsT’s current portfolio companies are 51% women-owned and 44% of the senior management teams are comprised of women. By bringing a gender lens to their businesses, community-based enterprises perform more efficiently and effectively and are able to achieve greater impact.