In this episode, Joy reflects on the future of gender lens investing, discussing the barriers and opportunities within the field. She outlines four potential futures for gender lens investing, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with various sectors. The episode highlights the current challenges faced in the investment landscape, while also encouraging listeners to envision a more equitable future.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 06:01 - Barriers and Opportunities in Gender Lens Investing
• 12:04 - Diverse Futures of Gender Lens Investing
• 17:53 - Navigating Challenges and Imagining Possibilities

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy engages in a deep conversation with Lilian Mramba, the Chief Investment Officer at Grassroots Business Fund. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in transformative finance, particularly in the context of gender lens investing and the needs of small businesses.

The conversation highlights the importance of creating flexible capital solutions and the concept of a 'funky bank' that can address the unique needs of underserved businesses. They emphasize the significance of impact returns over financial returns and the resilience required in fragile economies. Ultimately, the discussion reflects on the long-term commitment needed to drive systemic change in the financial landscape.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 09:30 - Creating Flexible Capital Solutions
• 14:30 - The Concept of a Funky Bank
• 22:10 - Resilience in Fragile Economies
• 30:11 - Living in Purpose and Impact

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn
• Lilian's LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy reflects on the 10-year anniversary of the State of the Field report on gender lens investing, co-authored with Katherine Miles in 2015. She revisits the report's framework, which categorized the field into three key areas: ideas, activity, and people and organizations. Joy highlights the progress made over the past decade, including advancements in metrics, new products, and the emergence of organizations driving the field forward.

With Criterion’s Convergence XXI conference on the horizon, Joy calls for renewed energy to push the field further. She emphasizes that while the structure and groundwork are in place, continued experimentation, critical dialogue, and collective effort are essential to reimagine a future where gender lens investing can drive transformative systems change. Join the conversation as we reflect on where we’ve come from, and where we need to go.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 03:02 - Reflecting on the State of the Field Report
• 05:55 - Understanding the Framework of Gender Lens Investing
• 09:01 - The Evolution of Ideas in Gender Lens Investing
• 11:52 - Activity and Progress in the Field
• 14:51 - Standards, Metrics, and Accountability
• 18:06 - Building Community and Organizations
• 21:02 - Training, Expertise, and Future Directions

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn