Greening of Finance by Women (GroW)

Climate Asia in collaboration with EquiLead hosted another successful roundtable discussion on Wednesday focusing on “Accelerating Women’s Leadership in Climate Action,” at the India International Centre, Delhi. This marks the third instalment of our collaborative closed-door roundtable series bringing together diverse players in the climate ecosystem. Some key takeaways from the discussion include: 💡Integrating Gender Perspectives: Highlighted the importance of incorporating a gender lens in climate initiatives to effectively scale efforts and prioritize women in climate action. 💡Challenges in Agriculture: Addressed the need for programs specifically tailored to women in agriculture. Key issues discussed included limited access to finance and the complexities of mixed-gender settings. The potential for women-only Farmer Produce Organizations (FPOs) was also explored. 💡Technology and Gender Equity: Emphasized the intersection of technology and climate action. Discussions focused on leveraging digital solutions to address gender disparities and improve climate resilience. In breakout sessions, participants were divided into two groups: Thinkers and Solutioners. Moderators for the session: Satyam Vyas, Anchal Kakkar, Aiswarya Ananthapadmanabhan 💡Thinkers Group: Concentrated on ensuring a fair transition by integrating gender considerations directly into climate action. They underscored the necessity of comprehensive strategies, utilizing technology and AI to analyze gender disparities and enhance efficiency. 💡Solutioners Group: Stressed that effective policies must be based on real experiences and community voices, not just expert opinions. This approach ensures policies are both impactful and scalable. We have been hosting these engaging roundtables in various cities, and the next one might be coming to yours! Stay tuned for updates. We heartily thank our participants for joining us and sharing their valuable insights: Samar Verma (Strategy Consultant), Nidhi Bhasin (nasscom foundation ), Jarnail Singh (MacArthur Foundation), Sukhmani Sethi (Philanthropy Professional), Rubeca Adlakha (American Tower), Rohan Batra (Marks and Spencer Reliance India Private Limited), Jitendra Routray (ReNew), Nishant Gupta (Flipkart Group, Walmart Foundation), Divya Sharma (Climate Group), Nandita Pradhan (Martha Farrell Foundation), Adwait Joshi (WILLIAM J. CLINTON FOUNDATION), Arunabha Bhattacharya ( He/ Him/ His) (Practical Action), and Mansharan Seth (WILLIAM J. CLINTON FOUNDATION). Your contributions made this discussion truly enriching. #ClimateAction #Collaboration #RoundtableSeries #WomenLeadership

How Gender-Smart Climate Finance can Reshape our Future! Several groundbreaking initiatives demonstrate that #gender and #climate goals can not only co-exist but thrive together. Here’s a glimpse of a few game-changing solutions: ➡ Women-Led Coal Transitions (WOLCOT) by Climate Investment Funds: Shifting the spotlight to empower women and disadvantaged groups in coal transition-affected areas, ensuring their voices lead the way. ➡ Climate Gender Equity Fund (CGEF) by USAID, 2X Global, Amazon, Reckitt, Visa Foundation and UPS Foundation: A dynamic partnership fueling climate-smart, women-led businesses, bridging critical gaps with essential early-stage funding. ➡ Clean Impact Bond (CIB): Infusing capital into SMEs that manufacture climate-smart household appliances, generating benefits for women while slashing greenhouse gas emissions and improving health. ➡ Sustainability-Linked Finance (SLF): A bold approach that ties gender KPIs to green loans, driving diversity and climate action with innovative financing structures. Brazil’s Neoenergia Coelba is a prime example which is linking loan rates to ambitious targets for gender diversity and emissions reductions. These initiatives underline a crucial truth: the climate crisis is not gender-neutral. At the current rate, we will need 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and 169 years to reach gender parity in economic participation and opportunity. This is decades longer than we have to curb the worst impacts of climate change. Tackling these challenges demands bold, intersectional solutions that merge climate action with gender equality. As the The World Bank notes in its blog, there is an imminent need for early-stage support to help women-led enterprises. At Greening of Finance by Women (GroW), supporting women-led climate enterprises forms a big part of what we do. With our most recent partnership with Women Entrepreneurship Platform, we are planning a series of events to facilitate matchmaking of women-led climate enterprises with relevant investors. Reach out if you would like to know more and/or collaborate with us! Agence Française de Développement Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation SIDBI(Small Industries Development Bank of India) Intellecap #GroWNetwork #GreenFinance #ClimateFinance #GenderFinance

🤝From Contacts to Collaborations: #Networking for Results🤝 We recently concluded the third session of our Branding and Visibility Workshop series designed to support #women professionals in green and climate finance by providing them with essential tools to advance their participation in the space and build robust professional networks. Our latest Workshop was on Networking for Results, facilitated by Neeraja Ganesh. It offered practical insights and interactive learning opportunities to enhance women’s networking capabilities, overcome barriers in male-dominated environments, and expand the professional circle to include mentors and industry leaders. Key takeaways from the Workshop: ➡ Prioritise Giving in Networking ➡ Craft Memorable Elevator Pitches ➡ Build Relationships Continuously ➡ Be Mindful of Your Digital Presence ➡ Cultivate a Diverse Professional Network ➡ Prepare Thoroughly for Networking Events (Pre, During and Post) In case you missed it, read the detailed key takeaways here: https://lnkd.in/g4nxxskj For more such events and to stay updated with everything #GroWNetwork, become a member! Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/dSrTW3Xi Agence Française de Développement Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation SIDBI(Small Industries Development Bank of India) Intellecap

I often get asked how to sustainably gift. 🌱 So, I've put together a low-waste checklist for anyone looking to give mindful gifts this season! Whether it's for corporate gifting, friends, family, weddings, or employee birthdays and welcome kits, these tips will help you spread joy without harming the planet. Transform your Gifting Game with Bare Necessities Zero Waste Solutions *Share this post with your procurement, HR team or anyone really!* #CorporateGifting #GiftsWithPurpose #RethinkTraditions #EcoFriendlyGifts #SustainableSolutions #SustainableFuture #GreenGifts Deepti Kharbanda (She / Her) Mehul Manjeshwar Tanya Kewalramani Manoj Prabakar Neha Somji Anand Raghav Rushali Shivprasad Smita Rakesh Sanjay Prasad Veena Suryanarayan

Can Indonesia's New Orange Bond Revolutionise Sustainable Finance? Indonesia is taking a bold step forward in #sustainablefinance with the introduction of the Orange Bond Initiative (OBI). This initiative isn't just about finance; it's about integrating #genderequality and social outcomes into the country's financial landscape. But what are Orange Bonds actually?  Orange Bonds raise capital for projects that advance gender equality and women's empowerment, directing funds to women-owned businesses and social enterprises. Indonesia has already made significant strides with Green Sukuk and Blue Bonds: ➡Green Sukuk: Successfully raised USD 2.75 billion since 2018, financing renewable energy projects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting environmental sustainability. ➡Blue Bonds: Focused on ocean conservation, these bonds have funded projects that enhance marine biodiversity, improve fishery management, and support coastal communities. Now, the OBI promises to bridge significant financing gaps, emphasising the critical synergy between gender equality and climate action. Why is this important? ➡Economic Development: MSMEs contribute 60% to GDP and employ 97% of the workforce, making gender-inclusive financing essential for sustainable growth. ➡Gender Disparity: Women-led enterprises make up over 64% of MSMEs but struggle to access capital. ➡Climate Impact: Climate change affects women more, especially in rural areas, worsening existing inequalities. How will this empower women and set global benchmarks?  ➡Targeted Investments: Funds for women-led businesses and social enterprises. ➡Capacity Building: Training and support for women entrepreneurs. ➡Impact Measurement: Ensuring investments lead to real benefits for women and girls. ➡Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging government, private sector, and international organisations to amplify impact and create scalable models. The OBI aims to mobilise USD 1 billion, setting a precedent for integrating gender equality into financial systems and creating a replicable model for other countries. What are your thoughts on the potential impact of Orange Bonds? Will this be the next big leap in sustainable finance? Impact Investment Exchange (IIX) Ford Foundation Agence Française de Développement Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation SIDBI(Small Industries Development Bank of India) Green Indian Financial System Initiative (GIFS Initiative) Intellecap #GroWNetwork #GreenFinance

We are excited to show the ongoing process of our project which is making a water tank in Techno India NJR Institute of Technology, Udaipur. Check out these pictures: #Angirus #Wricks #sustainable #sustainability #climatechange #climateaction #construction #startupindia #project #watertank #Udaipur

Climate Policy Initiative - India’s Senior Manager Neha Khanna chaired the India Global Forum roundtable on “Driving Global Innovation – Cleantech and the Road Ahead,”   Key takeaways from the discussion were: 1. Clean tech has various nuances, and it is essential to understand what business models one is supporting. 2. At an ecosystem level, a support system is absent across the enterprise’s journey. Cleantech has three valleys of death, and for solutions to go from innovations to commercial success, there is a need for an ecosystem-level support platform to handhold enterprises through their journey. 3. Co-operation among stakeholders at various levels can’t be undermined. There are lessons to be learned from what has happened successfully in the UK, but also to apply the local lens when implementing solutions in India. #CleanTech #Innovation #CleanEnergy

Women's economic influence and innovative solutions are pivotal for unlocking USD 26 trillion in climate benefits by 2030! In a world facing climate change and social inequalities, #inclusivefinance is crucial. #Women, often disproportionately affected, play critical roles in community resilience and sustainable development. As climate-related investments are set to reach USD 4 trillion annually by 2030, integrating gender perspectives presents a significant opportunity (source: European Investment Bank (EIB)) Here’s why gender-responsive #climatefinance is not just essential but a strategic imperative - consider its tangible benefits: ➡ In Tanzania, supporting women entrepreneurs in the blue economy has led to thriving women-led businesses contributing to economic growth and environmental conservation. ➡ In Brazil, 65% of new renewable energy connections to women-led households have tackled energy poverty, improving health, job, and education opportunities. These initiatives show the profound impact of gender-responsive climate finance. Not only do they uplift communities, but they also highlight the potential of women’s leadership. Women-led firms, it is found, excel in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, making their leadership essential for achieving robust climate action goals. Partnerships are key to driving these changes. For instance, the European Investment Bank’s collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) supports rural women in growing food sustainably and connecting them to markets. Similarly, they are also working with private companies like Cabify, which is increasing the share of women in its workforce while decarbonizing its fleet, shows how targeted partnerships can promote gender parity in green employment and sustainable practices. These collaborations ensure that women’s voices shape inclusive climate policies and resilient communities. Share your thoughts on this in comments below and join us in advocating for gender-responsive climate finance! #GroWNetork #GreenFinance #GenderFinance #WomenEmpowerment

It was a pleasure to be participating in the event. It appeared as if Sea (Looking out from Taj Palace mumbai at Gate way of India and Sea ) welcomed each one participating in the WEP prog. by riding high & hitting the banks with thunder. Women Entrepreneurship is poised for a fillip through WEP. Someone aptly commented in the prog. held on junky 5th that during previous day mumbai witnessed massive celebration by MEN IN BLUE (the T20 World Cup winner Indian cricket team ) and this WEP programme ( ensuing day) is aptly poised for empowering women entrepreneurs. Thanks to envisioning by Women Entrepreneurship Platform and MicroSave Consulting (MSC) Sharing of implementation experience by stakeholders including by women entrepreneurs indicated that women are happy celebrating entrepreneurship through WEP platform. What I could witness that Institutions were reassuring -standing with and for women entrepreneurship. Green financing for women (GroW) supports green entrepreneurship. Exchanging mou with WEP by GroW ( set up by SIDBI(Small Industries Development Bank of India) Agence Française de Développement Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation was reflection of our partnership to celebrate WOMEN IN and FOR GREEN. What better occasion it could have been. Standing with our partners for this empowering cause was really a delight for me. we are clear that participatory approach is the only answer to transiting shg/micro finance women to reach the Formal ME level. Similarly greenfield women enterprises under National mission of standup India ( where women have substantial share) need mentoring handholding for next level of growth. Women benefitted under MUDRA are looking up as well. If we can become INSPIRATIONAL PLATFORM to ASPIRATIONAL WOMEN we will witness next level of family transformation. In fact that would be crucial step + towards VIKDIT BHARAT. More so, . Embedding E&S in each enterprise is crucial to emerge responsive to expectations of value chain. GroW would act as an enabler for WE who want to GROW.

It was a pleasure to be participating in the event. It appeared as if Sea (Looking out from Taj Palace mumbai at Gate way of India and Sea ) welcomed each one participating in the WEP prog. by riding high & hitting the banks with thunder. Women Entrepreneurship is poised for a fillip through WEP. Someone aptly commented in the prog. held on junky 5th that during previous day mumbai witnessed massive celebration by MEN IN BLUE (the T20 World Cup winner Indian cricket team ) and this WEP programme ( ensuing day) is aptly poised for empowering women entrepreneurs. Thanks to envisioning by Women Entrepreneurship Platform and MicroSave Consulting (MSC) Sharing of implementation experience by stakeholders including by women entrepreneurs indicated that women are happy celebrating entrepreneurship through WEP platform. What I could witness that Institutions were reassuring -standing with and for women entrepreneurship. Green financing for women (GroW) supports green entrepreneurship. Exchanging mou with WEP by GroW ( set up by SIDBI(Small Industries Development Bank of India) Agence Française de Développement Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation was reflection of our partnership to celebrate WOMEN IN and FOR GREEN. What better occasion it could have been. Standing with our partners for this empowering cause was really a delight for me. we are clear that participatory approach is the only answer to transiting shg/micro finance women to reach the Formal ME level. Similarly greenfield women enterprises under National mission of standup India ( where women have substantial share) need mentoring handholding for next level of growth. Women benefitted under MUDRA are looking up as well. If we can become INSPIRATIONAL PLATFORM to ASPIRATIONAL WOMEN we will witness next level of family transformation. In fact that would be crucial step + towards VIKDIT BHARAT. More so, . Embedding E&S in each enterprise is crucial to emerge responsive to expectations of value chain. GroW would act as an enabler for WE who want to GROW.