Let’s continue together on our journey to learn about this option of gender lens investing.
Investing through a lens is not a new concept. I first experienced it as a financial advisor when socially responsible investing became more popular. Some people are more driven by their social conscience than by the overall rate of return on an investment. For them, using a “lens” or screening process of the companies in which they invest became the solution.
I see gender lens investing as an extension of socially responsible investing. So it helps to first understand the more established investment option called socially responsible investing.
A socially responsible investment is the result of screening publicly traded businesses based on certain criteria which seek both financial gain and social good or benefit.
Companies are evaluated and selected based on certain criteria. Some of the common criteria evaluated through the lens are:
- Support of sustainability of the environment through corporate policies and actions.
- Corporate commitment to workforce diversity in training and promotion opportunities as well as to fair workplace practices.
- Companies which avoid certain industries, such as those involved in weapons, alcohol, tobacco, pornography, and gambling.
I am writing a post for a blog. The intent is to keep it short and stick with the basics. If socially responsible investing interests you, please learn more through your financial advisor or by simply googling it on the web. There are now many companies offering socially responsible investing. Among them is a company called Pax World Funds. They are part of the story of gender lens investing and a partnership with an organization called Ellevate. More next time!
Debra Hadsall
(This information is designed to educate you about basic financial management concepts. Questions relevant to personal finances specific to the individual should be address to an appropriate professional to ensure that the situation has been evaluated carefully and appropriately. The Authors and Publisher specifically disclaim any liability loss, or risk which is incurred as a consequence directly or indirectly from the use and application of any contents of this work.)
To order my book, please click here
Financial Freedom Party for Women (FFP)-Talk 
Leave a Reply