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

In this episode, Joy discusses the intersection of faith and finance, particularly in the context of addressing gender-based violence. She reflects on her Christian faith and its implications in a world where many voices misrepresent Christianity.

The episode also delves into a roadmap created for Christian denominations to utilize their investments to combat gender-based violence, highlighting the importance of aligning financial practices with social justice values.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 01:55 - Joy's Faith and Its Impact
• 08:38 - Addressing Gender-Based Violence through Finance
• 16:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy discusses the implications of the recent U.S. elections on transformative systems change, emphasizing the need to look beyond government solutions. She advocates for gender lens investing as a crucial strategy in the current socio-political climate, urging listeners to analyze gender norms and structural inequities in investment decisions.

Joy also highlights the importance of long-term investments in communities and the economy, while also addressing the complexities of societal structures that influence investment strategies.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 02:15 - Government vs. Investments in Creating Change
• 10:14 - The Case for Gender Lens Investing
• 12:36 - Understanding Gender Norms in Investment Strategies

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy discusses the intersection of finance and gender-based violence, presenting five strategies for using financial systems to reduce violence against women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating gender considerations into investment decisions and the potential for finance to act as a tool for social change. Joy reflects on the insights gained from working with activists and advocates around the world, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to address this pervasive issue.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 00:57 - Reflections on Gender-Based Violence and Finance
• 04:47 - Five Strategies for Financing Gender-Based Violence Reduction
• 10:01 - Assigning Value: The Role of Finance in Gender-Based Violence
• 16:06 - Structural Changes in Financial Instruments
• 20:59 - Expanding Expertise in Investment Decision-Making
• 25:12 - Integrating Gender-Based Violence into Investment Metrics

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy reflects on her 57th birthday, exploring the themes of aging and the paradox of limitations versus possibility. She discusses societal perceptions of aging, the desire for permission to embrace limitations, and the importance of hope in driving transformative change. Joy emphasizes the need to recognize human finitude while also believing in the potential for a better future.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Intro
• 02:02 - Reflections on Aging and Limitations
• 13:08 - Celebrating Aging and the Possibility of a Better Future
• 20:09 - The Power of Hope and Conclusion

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn

In this episode, Joy shares a profound conversation with Roseline Orwa, a champion for widow's rights in Africa. They explore the unique challenges faced by widows, particularly the cultural stigma and financial exclusion that render them invisible in discussions about gender and investment.

Roseline shares her experiences and insights on how financial systems can better support widows, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and the importance of recognizing widows as a distinct category of women.

The conversation also highlights the necessity of addressing the root causes of widowhood, including the need for safety measures for men in high-risk jobs, to create a more supportive environment for families.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 03:02 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Widows
• 06:12 The Invisible Women: Young Widows in Africa
• 08:57 Cultural Stigma and Financial Exclusion
• 11:51 The Role of Financial Systems in Supporting Widows
• 15:00 Creating Supportive Structures for Widows
• 17:49 Addressing the Root Causes: Protecting Men to Support Families

Relevant Links

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