Gender Lens Investing is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce gender inequality. Existing gendered inequalities such as lower labor force participation and lower wages, greater unpaid care responsibilities, limited access to resources and education contribute to a gendered poverty penalty that accounts for about 5 million more women living in extreme poverty across the world.

Recent research findings show that gender inclusion is not only the right thing to do in terms of promoting gender equality and reducing poverty but also a key strategy for improving business performance, efficiency, and productivity.