#42: 10 Years On: Reflecting on the State of Gender Lens Investing

The Criterion Institute Podcast

In this episode, Joy reflects on the 10-year anniversary of the State of the Field report on gender lens investing, co-authored with Katherine Miles in 2015. She revisits the report's framework, which categorized the field into three key areas: ideas, activity, and people and organizations. Joy highlights the progress made over the past decade, including advancements in metrics, new products, and the emergence of organizations driving the field forward.

With Criterion’s Convergence XXI conference on the horizon, Joy calls for renewed energy to push the field further. She emphasizes that while the structure and groundwork are in place, continued experimentation, critical dialogue, and collective effort are essential to reimagine a future where gender lens investing can drive transformative systems change. Join the conversation as we reflect on where we’ve come from, and where we need to go.

Episode Highlights

• 00:27 - Introduction
• 03:02 - Reflecting on the State of the Field Report
• 05:55 - Understanding the Framework of Gender Lens Investing
• 09:01 - The Evolution of Ideas in Gender Lens Investing
• 11:52 - Activity and Progress in the Field
• 14:51 - Standards, Metrics, and Accountability
• 18:06 - Building Community and Organizations
• 21:02 - Training, Expertise, and Future Directions

Relevant Links

• Criterion Institute website and LinkedIn
• Joy’s LinkedIn