With the Next Billion Digital Growth Fund, our commitment to driving positive social change is at the heart of our investment philosophy. Our Gender Impact Strategy is a cornerstone of this mission, aimed at empowering women in emerging markets by fostering inclusive and equitable growth through our portfolio, both at the company and beneficiary level. By leveraging our investments to promote gender equity, we aim to create sustainable economic opportunities that empower women – through jobs or new products and services – ultimately driving broader social and economic development.
The vision behind our Gender Impact Strategy
Emerging markets present a unique landscape where gender disparities are often even more pronounced than in developed markets. Women in these regions face significant barriers to economic participation, including limited access to education, healthcare, financial services, and entrepreneurial opportunities. 37% of women globally do not use the internet; that equates to an internet access gap of 259 million women. The digital divide remains a gendered one. Our Gender Impact Strategy is designed to address these challenges head-on, aligning with global efforts to achieve gender parity and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Investing in women is not only a moral imperative but also a smart business strategy. Studies consistently show that gender-diverse companies perform better, drive more innovation, and have higher employee satisfaction rates. By focusing on gender impact, we are not just contributing to social good but also enhancing the long-term value of our investments.
Key pillars of our Gender Impact Strategy (Company-level)
Inclusive investment criteria: Our investment process integrates gender analysis to identify opportunities where our capital can have the most significant impact. We prioritize companies that actively promote gender diversity in leadership, provide equitable employment opportunities, and develop products or services that benefit women and girls. This approach ensures that our investments are channelled towards businesses committed to fostering an inclusive environment.
Support for women entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurship is a powerful vehicle for economic empowerment. We support female entrepreneurs (and solopreneurs) by providing financial capital as well as mentorship, networking opportunities, and capacity-building resources. Our goal is to break down the barriers women face in starting and scaling businesses, enabling them to become key drivers of economic growth in their communities.
Advancing women in the workforce: Our portfolio companies are encouraged to implement policies that support women's participation in the workforce. This includes advocating for fair wages, flexible working conditions, maternity and paternity leave, and initiatives that promote work-life balance. By creating supportive workplaces, we help ensure that women can thrive both professionally and personally.
Gender-sensitive product development: We invest in companies that develop products and services addressing the unique needs of women in emerging markets. This includes areas such as healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and technology. By promoting innovations that cater to women, we help improve their quality of life and economic prospects.
Positive impact through our portfolio companies
Our Gender Impact Strategy aims to yield tangible benefits through our portfolio companies. Some of the current opportunities we are evaluating include:
Financial inclusion: A financial literacy, lending, and inventory management product specifically targeting women SMEs and entrepreneurs. This has enabled thousands of women to start and grow their businesses, contributing to community development and poverty alleviation.
Healthcare innovation: A mobile platform providing accessible and affordable healthcare services in rural areas. The product has significantly improved maternal health outcomes and empowered women with critical health information.
Education and skills development: An online education and vocational training platform with a majority female user base. By equipping women with market-relevant skills, the company is enhancing their employability and economic independence.
Looking ahead: A commitment to continuous improvement
Through the Digital Growth Fund, Next Billion is committed to economically empowering 50 million women and delivering on the 2X Challenge for Financing Women, initiatives that call for bold commitments to invest in female leadership. Achieving gender equity is an ongoing journey.
We are committed to continuously refining our strategies, measuring our impact, and sharing our learnings to inspire other investors and stakeholders. By fostering a collaborative approach, we aim to create a ripple effect that drives systemic change across the investment landscape.
Our Gender Impact Strategy is not just about meeting targets; it's about transforming lives and creating a more equitable world. We invite our partners, investors, and stakeholders to join us in this mission, as we work together to unlock the full potential of women in emerging markets. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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