Inside the 2024 Gender Lens Investing Partners Retreat

From September 9 to 11, 2024, the serene surroundings of Lake Naivasha, Kenya, became a hub of innovation and collaboration as the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund hosted the Gender Lens Investing (GLI) Retreat. This three-day intensive retreat brought together Investment Leaders and their teams alongside consortium partners to deepen their understanding of gender lens investing and to build practical strategies for creating meaningful social change through finance.

Day 1: Grounding in Gender Lens Investing

The first day of the retreat was dedicated to establishing a solid foundation in gender lens investing concepts and introducing the TOOLKIT methodology developed by Criterion Institute . The morning sessions began with grounding and check-in activities, where participants set personal goals and framed their expectations for the retreat. This was followed by an overview of the content, introducing the five strategies of the TOOLKIT methodology for using finance as a tool to create social change. Investment Leaders then shared their aspirations and areas of focus during the introductions and goal-setting session.

The mid-morning session titled "Seeing Power" explored power dynamics in finance and how they affect gender relations. This interactive discussion prompted participants to reflect on existing systemic inequalities within the financial industry and consider how they can influence change.

The beginning of the afternoon session focused on the first strategy “Invest in Opportunities," where participants explored how to identify investment opportunities in enterprises that can drive social change - and subsequently channel their resources into these enterprises. An interactive group activity allowed them to apply this concept to real-world scenarios, enhancing their practical understanding. In discussing the second strategy “Assigning Value and Shifting Benchmarks," participants reviewed model portfolios and discussed how to influence investment benchmarks, considering how benchmarks can be aligned with gender lens investing goals.

The day concluded with a discussion session over dinner, which providing participants with an opportunity to network and building community amongst themselves so as to enhance collaboration during the subsequent retreat days.

Day 2: Deep Dive into Core Strategies

The second day explored the remaining four strategies of the TOOLKIT methodology, enriched by the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs). The morning began with an "Investment Thesis Introduction," helping participants understand how investment theses work and discussing the fund's own thesis. This was followed by "Strategy 2 Overview – Assign Value in a Market," focusing on how to introduce new data and eliminate biases in value assignment. Collaborative sessions with CSOs allowed participants to incorporate external expertise into their analysis, bridging practical insights with theoretical frameworks.

Mid-morning, "Strategy 3 Overview – Facilitate the Movement of Capital" examined how to shift power dynamics through investment structures and terms. Participants considered innovative approaches to finance that can redistribute power and create more equitable investment relationships.

In the afternoon, the "Strategy 3 Activity" provided a practical application of concepts through group work. Participants then moved on to "Strategy 4 Overview – Manage the Business of Investing," discussing internal processes that enhance gender-focused investment. Small group exercises in the "Strategy 4 Activity" allowed them to apply new processes and share best practices. The day continued with "Strategy 5 Overview – Diversify a Portfolio," where participants learned how to influence investor benchmarks and measure impact effectively. The "Strategy 5 Activity" involved applying benchmarking strategies in collaborative settings, fostering peer learning.

The evening concluded with dinner, offering continued networking opportunities and reflection on the day's learnings. Participants shared insights and began considering how to implement the strategies within their own organizations.

Day 3: Tactical Application and Planning

The final day was dedicated to refining strategies and creating actionable plans. The morning sessions began with a comprehensive review of all five strategies, integrating the concepts learned and solidifying participants' understanding. In the session "What Do You Want to Be Good At," teams identified specific strategies they wanted to implement, fostering a sense of ownership and direction. During "Sharing Goals," each team presented their focus areas and received feedback, encouraging peer support and collaborative problem-solving.

In the afternoon, investment teams collaborated with consortium partners and CSOs in a working session to develop implementation plans. This hands-on approach ensured that theoretical knowledge was translated into practical steps tailored to each organization's context. The retreat concluded with a "Reflection and Wrap-Up," where participants shared insights, reflections, and outlined next steps. They left with clear visions and actionable plans on how to apply gender lens investing strategies within their organizations.

Fund Manager Insights

Throughout the retreat, fund managers shared their perspectives, contributing to a rich exchange of ideas and experiences. Their insights highlighted the challenges and opportunities in integrating gender lens investing into their practices. These discussions not only enriched the collective understanding but also fostered a community committed to driving social change through finance.