April 29, 2025
FDI Center colleagues, Kathryn Rothwell and Nada Snoussi have recently authored an article for Investment Monitor, titled “High impact strategies for IPAs to further their impact on gender equality”. The piece delves into the pivotal role investment promotion agencies (IPAs) can play in advancing gender equality through FDI and shares five of 27 high-impact strategies identified in our recent report “Advancing Gender Equality in Investment Promotion”.
Despite recent political and legal challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the business case for gender-focused IPA strategies remains strong. They highlight that IPAs can drive substantial change by incorporating gender equality initiatives across the five IPA functions, as well as within their strategy and internal organization.
Key strategies discussed include:
Getting clear on the plan: Develop a comprehensive gender action plan outlining specific initiatives, objectives and timelines to achieve these goals.
Analyzing investment leads for gender equality contributions: Apply gender analysis as one of the criteria for prioritising investment leads, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach.
Incentivizing gender equality: Integrate gender equality criteria into incentive programs to attract foreign investors.
Matchmaking local women-led businesses with foreign investors: Facilitate market linkages between local women-led businesses and foreign investors.
Working with investors for greater impact: Offer advisory services to foreign investors on integrating gender equality into their operations.
To read more about these strategies, you can read the full article here.
