The theme for International Women’s Day 2024, Invest in Her, Invest in Progress, rings true now more than ever. Forget just doing the right thing – turns out, supporting women financially is a win-win for everyone.

Here’s Why

Despite the undeniable benefits, women continue to face significant barriers to investment. Globally, an estimated $360 billion annual deficit exists in spending on gender equality measures. That’s the crazy amount we’re collectively losing because we’re not investing enough in women. This means:

• Fewer businesses: Women-owned businesses are booming, but they often struggle to get the funding they need to reach their full potential.
• Women stuck on the sidelines: When women don’t have access to the financial tools they need, they can’t save, invest, or build wealth like they deserve.
• Innovation in the mud: Diverse teams are smarter and more creative. By leaving women out, we’re missing out on a bunch of brilliant ideas that could change the world.

So, how do we fix this?

• Learn about money: The more women know about managing their finances, the more they can invest and build wealth for themselves and their families.
• Fund the future: Support funds and organizations that help women entrepreneurs get the funds they need to turn their dreams into reality.
• Connect and share: Find a mentor who can offer guidance, or become a mentor yourself and share your knowledge with others.
• Access to capital: Addressing the funding gap faced by women entrepreneurs allows them to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, creating jobs, and generating tax revenue.
• Investment in female-led funds: Supporting funds specifically focused on women-owned businesses fosters economic growth and broadens investment opportunities.

Who Benefits From This?

Investing in women extends beyond economic benefits; it’s an investment in human capital and a catalyst for social progress.

• Individuals: Consumers can choose to support women-owned businesses and invest in women-focused funds.
• Financial institutions: Banks and financial institutions can develop tailored products and services catering to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and investors.
• Governments: Implementing policies that promote gender equality in the workplace, access to finance, and leadership opportunities can create a level playing field and accelerate progress.

By collectively investing in women, we can unlock their economic potential, fuel innovation, and pave the way for a more prosperous and equitable future. Let’s turn “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress” into a tangible reality, not just for International Women’s Day 2024, but for generations to come.