Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) New Zealand has recently commissioned and completed a report on the important issue of Gender Lens Investing (GLI) in the Blue Pacific. Recently released, the report addresses subject areas such as current gender dynamics, opportunities and challenges, the role of the investor, and the integration of GLI analysis into investment decision making processes.
With GLI emerging as a pivotal strategy to drive inclusive economic growth while achieving significant financial returns, the study highlights the untapped potential of women-led enterprises in the Pacific and offers actionable recommendations for remedy. These recommendations align investment strategies with gender equity goals, and significant aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
A new and developing form of economic opportunity, GLI integrates gender considerations into financial decisions, creating dual outcomes in financial performance and positive societal impact. With sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and tourism ripe for growth, the Pacific presents a unique opportunity for investors to engage in gender-sensitive investments that foster innovation, resilience, and community development.
The report emphasises that women in the Pacific are already at the forefront of key matters of regional sustainability and economic resilience, including climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, and digital industries. However systemic barriers, such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural norms, restrict their full and active participation.
The report finds that 67% of women-owned businesses surveyed relied on personal savings to run their businesses, due to restrictive lending practices. The survey also highlighted infrastructure gaps, such as high internet costs and limited connectivity, and cultural expectations, such as gender stereotyped jobs and industries, limited participation and created significant barriers to entry into high-growth industries, such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and construction.
Positively, the report found that women-led businesses in the Pacific are concentrated in sectors with high potential. For example, women-led eco-tourism ventures in Fiji and Palau are leveraging the region’s natural and cultural heritage, and female entrepreneurs in agriculture are adopting innovative practices, such as climate-resilient crops in Tuvalu. Education was also found to be a transformative tool for growth, with 63% of respondents identifying it as crucial for women’s economic empowerment.
The report highlights that GLI strategies can support women-led businesses overcome challenges, harness opportunities, and drive profitability while empowering women as agents of change. Reflecting on successful programmes, such Pacific RISE and Women’s Micro Bank, the report demonstrates how tailored financial solutions and capacity building can successfully upscale women-led businesses. These initiatives serve as blueprints for broader adoption across the region.
The Gender Lens Investing in Pacific Island Countries report is an important contribution to the resources in the PTI New Zealand catalogue, and looks to benefit businesses and governments throughout the region, as well as motivate intentional international investors.
The report can be found online here.
