FDI has an important role when it comes to advancing gender balance.
The starting point
A 2015 McKinsey report indicates that advancing women’s equality can add $12 trillion to global growth. The observation is clear: "Gender inequality is not only a pressing moral and social issue but also a critical economic challenge. If women—who account for half the world’s working-age population—do not achieve their full economic potential, the global economy will suffer."
Women In FDI (Win FDI) is a pro-bono initiative that seeks to better understand what the role of FDI is when it comes to advancing women equality. This informal network convenes practitioners, consultants and other professionals working in the industry of attracting investment or promoting a location. Together we aim to help the industry step practical steps to advance gender empowerment.
We are working on 3 different streams:
#1: FDI & gender advancement
What does Women in FDI mean in practice?
Whilst there is solid academic research about the link between trade & gender, with international campaigns such as #SheTrades or tailored export support programmes for female-led companies, the question of gender & foreign direct investment is one that only is being explored recently. We need to think this through and find evidence to support our views.
We are out there speaking to people to understand the space and identify tools and methodologies that can show us a path.
#2: Career Development for women in FDI
Preliminary research on IPAs from OECD countries reveals that only 17% (6 IPAs out of 36) are led by women.
There are many organisations supporting women empowerment in specific professional sectors, such as in banking, legal profession or tech. However, there is little career development support for women in FDI.
We are looking into skills and competences needed to helping female talent advance in their careers, join boards and influence the future of the industry.
#3: Consultancy WinFDI
What are the best practices to advance women in FDI?
We have an extensive network of world class practitioners, consultants, academics and researchers who at the frontline of the interlink of FDI and gender advancement. We are ready to share our expertise, design roadmaps for how FDI supports the gender agenda. In addition, we help promotion agencies recruit board members well-trained in gender.
We are ready when you are.
