Gender Lens Investing Framework for Northern Arc

We supported IFC in the development of a Gender Lens Investing Framework for its client Northern Arc

Northern Arc is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) that links debt capital markets and institutions that lend to underserved households and businesses. As part of its impact ambition, Northern Arc seeks to enable access to credit for women by serving women-owned businesses and women consumers in a responsible manner. To support Norther Arc in this journey, IFC invited Steward Redqueen to help Northern Arc integrate gender considerations in its credit and underwriting process.

We developed a framework that supports both the impact and risk screening of Northern Arc. This includes a Gender Lens Investing policy, as well as procedures and instruments for carrying out due diligence and monitoring of gender data results on client and at a portfolio level. Once developed, we piloted the framework with a number of clients to ensure the framework was feasible and effective. Finally, we trained NAC’s staff on using the framework, and provided an action plan on further developing the organization’s diversity and inclusion practices.

This Gender Lens Investing Framework enables Norther Arc in further improving its outreach to the women’s market.