Breaking Barriers: Enabling Women through Economic Empowerment for Gender Equality

We proudly announce the partnership between BlueOrchard and Women in Sustainable Finance International. BlueOrchard is a pioneer and leader in impact investing, specializing in addressing climate change and reducing inequalities worldwide. With an extensive track record in gender-lens investing, we believe our partnership will bring great value to both organizations as we seek to create a positive impact and advance gender equality. Learn more about BlueOrchard.

To officially launch our partnership, we are pleased to invite you to our first joint event on female entrepreneurship financing with our panel speakers: Valerie Harrington, Fund Manager for Blended Finance Mandates at BlueOrchard, Maria Pia Palacios, Advisor of Family Businesses in Peru at AQP, and Arlette Espinosa, Head of Content at Women in Sustainable Finance and Expert Advisor at Gender Lens Initiative for Switzerland.

Background

In recent years, women have taken control of an unprecedented amount of assets, driven by the rise of female entrepreneurs and their long-term aspirations. For women, money is not the end goal, it is a means to invest in their families and communities, setting them up for future success. When banks change their approach to serve women, they gain loyal customers and witness higher savings and loan repayment rates.

To empower women, it is crucial to challenge and redefine the traditional financial norms and reshape the narrative on women's participation in the industry. This is where the concept of impact investing and microfinance comes into play, as it provides a meaningful framework for addressing these challenges and creating opportunities for women to thrive.

During our panel discussion, we will explore strategies to overcome the challenges women face in accessing financial resources, starting and growing businesses, and achieving economic independence.

Save the date: April 9, 2024, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

Location: Seefeldstrasse 233, 8008 Zurich, ground floor

Proposed Agenda:

6:00pm –  Doors open

6:30pm –  Welcome by WISF

6:35pm –  Presentations from our speakers and panel discussion, moderated by Sabrina Failo

7:30pm –  Networking & Apéro

9:00pm –  Doors close

This event is free and co-hosted by WISF, the network of female professionals for a more sustainable and inclusive world for everyone, and BlueOrchard.

We are looking forward to connecting with you.

Warm regards, your WISF Team