This session is organised by the e-MFP Action Group on Gender Lens Investing (GLI), an initiative launched this summer following the growing interest of e-MFP members and the broad community of impact investors in integrating a gender lens approach in their operations and encouraging it among their partners. The session is designed to share practical insights and experiences from professionals working in gender finance, offering inspiration and actionable examples for those seeking to enhance their own GLI practices and contribute to advancing gender equity. It is structured in two parts:

Part One: Experts from GIZ, WSBI and the GLI Action Group will provide insights into the current state of women’s financial inclusion and gender equity efforts within the sector. This discussion will include key findings from WSBI’s member survey, which applied indicators from the We-Fi Code, as well as early insights from a survey conducted by the Action Group to map GLI and gender finance practices among e-MFP members.

Part Two: The conversation will shift to the challenges, lessons learned, and gaps identified in implementing GLI strategies, from both funding and technical assistance perspectives. Moderated by gender expert Deena Burjorjee of Access Alliance, this panel will feature representatives from Incofin, LMDF, AlphaMundi, and Pro Mujer Gender Knowledge Lab. These organizations bring a wealth of experience, including the management of gender-smart funds (namely the Global Gender-Smart Fund and the Female Entrepreneurship Fund), the integration of gender analysis into investment processes, and advancing SDG5 through diverse approaches at various operational levels.

This session is essential for professionals and stakeholders in the gender finance space who are keen in deepening their understanding of GLI strategies and exploring practical approaches to promoting gender equity in financial inclusion.