IMPACT = Investing in women

Promoting gender equality is crucial for inclusive economic development. But progress has been slow, and women’s economic participation is limited by the discrimination and unequal opportunities they face.

Six years ago, British International Investment, recognising this challenge, launched our Gender Finance Strategy, to play our part in advancing women’s economic empowerment. Our aim was to support companies in becoming more diverse, increasing the number of women leaders, and ensuring high-quality jobs and products that meet women’s needs.

In this event we shared the finding of our new report, “Closing the gap: Lessons from six years of investing in women”, It outlines the progress we’ve made over this time, shares the lessons we’ve learnt along the way and asks what more can be done to promote gender equality in emerging economies.

The event was chaired by Sarah Champion MP, leading women’s rights advocate and chair of the UK Parliament’s International Development Committee.

Other speakers included

• Onyekachi Izukanne, Chief Executive Officer, Trade Depot (Nigeria)
• Maria Smith, Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer, British International Investment
• Roshaneh Zafar, Founder, Kashf Foundation (Pakistan)
• Kate Perkins, interim Head of Gender and Diversity Finance, British International Investment
• Nick O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer, British International Investment