Navigating GESI in Impact Investing: Is It Also About the LGBTQIA+ Community? Is the Impact Investing Industry Leading by Example?

Introduction: The Crucial Role of GESI in Impact Investing

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) are fundamental to the impact investing sector, ensuring that initiatives are inclusive, equitable, and effective, particularly for marginalized groups. Without a strong GESI focus within their Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems, many organizations' social and environmental efforts might fall short.

In this article, I explore the importance of GESI in MEL practices, highlight exemplary systems and policies within the impact investing world, and share my personal journey of integrating GESI into projects and MEL systems over many years, all while navigating my role as both a professional and a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

A Few Examples of GESI Systems and Policies in the Impact Investing Industry:

1. The IKEA Foundation’s Livelihood Programs: IKEA Foundation has embedded GESI principles into its livelihood programs by focusing on empowering women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized communities. Their approach ensures that investments and grants not only foster economic growth but also address social inequalities. The foundation supports projects that create safe spaces and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ communities, especially in regions where discrimination is prevalent, promoting both gender equity and inclusivity.
2. The Rockefeller Foundation’s Equity and Inclusion Strategies: The Rockefeller Foundation has long prioritized equity, incorporating GESI into its impact investing strategies. This includes initiatives that directly benefit LGBTQIA+ communities, ensuring that their health, food security, and energy access needs are met inclusively. The foundation’s MEL frameworks specifically measure the impact on LGBTQIA+individuals, ensuring their investments actively combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities.
3. The Bezos Earth Fund's Inclusive Climate Initiatives: Bezos Earth Fund , known for its commitment to combating climate change, also incorporates GESI into its strategies. While primarily focused on environmental sustainability, the Fund emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized groups, including LGBTQIA+ communities, in its climate initiatives. By ensuring that vulnerable populations have a voice in climate-related decisions and access to the benefits of green technologies, the Fund addresses both environmental and social justice.

These examples show how impact investing organizations are not only discussing GESI but actively embedding it in their practices, with particular attention to the needs and rights of LGBTQIA+ communities. These policies and systems serve as models for other organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact.

My Personal Journey: Chapter 1 - The Excitement of a New Journey

Leaving the safety and stability of my previous job was not an easy decision. I had spent years building a career there, surrounded by the comfort of a predictable work environment and the assurance that I was contributing to important global causes. But when the opportunity to join a new organization—claiming to be a Global Alliance to unlock green energy access and secure an inclusive and resilient future for all—arose, I knew it was time for a change.

The excitement was palpable. Here was a chance to help build something new—a MEL system that would not only measure the impact of investments but also ensure that these investments were truly inclusive. The organization’s mission was compelling: to lift millions of people out of energy poverty, with a strong emphasis on reaching the most marginalized communities. On top of that, my new organization, while still “under construction,” was governed by representatives of organizations leading by example in the GESI and LGBTIQ+ fields. This was a cause I could wholeheartedly get behind.

Everything started well. My induction at the organization’s headquarters was an experience unlike any other. The organization had a way of making new employees feel welcomed and valued from the outset. During my first Global Town Hall meeting, a light-hearted but telling question was posed to me: “What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?” I answered, “Chocolate,” not realizing at the time how this small piece of trivia would become part of my identity within the organization.

But it wasn’t just the warm welcome that excited me—it was the people I was going to work with. My colleagues at the MEL team were a group of committed, skilled professionals who shared my passion for creating impactful, inclusive systems. They were not just colleagues; they were allies in the quest to build a MEL system that prioritized people—especially those who often get left behind.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I was particularly thrilled to discover that this organization was a place where I could be my authentic self. In previous roles, I had often felt the need to compartmentalize parts of my identity, but here, I could openly discuss it without fear of judgment. Everything seemed to be going so well that I began to wonder if it was all too good to be true. It turns out, it was not.

Just as I was settling into my new role, I received news that would turn my excitement into apprehension. My assigned duty station was in a country where not only was same-sex marriage illegal (preventing my family from joining me immediately), but even the act of being in a same-sex relationship was a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The nightmare had begun.

How would such an impact investing organization handle my situation? Would they stand by their GESI principles, or would the reality of operating in such a restrictive environment lead to compromises? These questions weighed heavily on my mind as I prepared for what was to come.

The End (Chapter 1)

Important Note:

I would continue deepening into my journey such as a chapter about the reality of inclusion in that organization, The Organization’s Response to "my case", and I would be happy to finally share some Reflections and Lessons Learned with you and the broader implications for the impact investing industry.

Next chapters will come alive only if the network and peers in the GESI field think this testimony and analysis could help to push the GESI agenda within the impact investing industry. It should not be about ticking boxes but leading by example. I count on your feedback and advice.