Convergence XXI: Reimagining the Future of Gender Lens Investing

Join Us for a Global Field-Building Convening

hosted by Criterion Institute  

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Week 1: Feb 4-5: Kick Off, Framing Session

Week 2: Feb 11-12: ReCap Framing, Strategy Grounding and Session

Week 3: Feb 18-20: ReCap Strategy, Design Grounding and Sessions 1 & 2

Week 4: Feb 25-28: ReCap Design, Implementation Grounding and Sessions 1 & 2, Closing

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Event Overview

In the early 2010s, Criterion Institute and other early champions brought together actors working at the intersection of gender and finance to name the field of gender lens investing. Through a series of collaborative gatherings, including five Convergences, Criterion facilitated an exchange between diverse voices, perspectives, and approaches. The landmark report: the State of the Field of Gender Lens Investing, published in 2015, drew on those multiple voices and perspectives to document a shared history and strategies for the road ahead.  

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A full decade since its publication, much has evolved. As new ideas, activities and actors shaped the field, we tracked this evolution in our 2021 report, Disrupting Fields, which revealed that how fields develop and the ideas within them advance are not neutral. There are power dynamics at work determining what matters and who has influence. And we need an even bigger tent to do justice to the multi-faceted, complex challenges we now face, which are deeply rooted in historical power structures.  

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Criterion has heard from a growing number of gender lens investing practitioners, advocates, and field builders who have expressed a strong desire for a broader, more inclusive conversation about the future direction of the field. Many have voiced frustration with the fragmentation and lack of coordination they've observed, feeling that critical perspectives and approaches remain underrepresented or marginalized. By heeding this call from the community, Criterion is positioning Convergence as a collective reimagining of the path forward, drawing on the wisdom and experiences of those who are actively shaping the field on the ground.  

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Convergence is Criterion’s flagship convening, which takes place over four weeks of structured conversations. What makes it unique is that there are no speakers. Conversations are designed with inputs from the participants. At the heart of Convergence is a commitment to field-building; this year, Convergence XXI will have a host committee of field builders who will provide strategic inputs into the conversation.

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Rather than prescribing a singular vision or agenda, Convergence XXI aims to create an inclusive space for field builders to come together, share their experiences, and collectively reimagine gender lens investing. The goal is not to reach consensus on a set of agreed-upon definitions or goals, but to celebrate the richness and dynamism of the field in all its complexity. We hope you will join us.

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• No panels, no keynotes, no speakers, no flights – just inclusive, diverse, global community building over a series of engaging virtual conversations held in two time zones, so you can participate at times that work best for you. Additionally, you can share your ticket with another field builder if you’re unable to attend all sessions during the four-week event.

• Rich, global, diverse field-building: engage in conversations you care about critical issues like Care Economy, Gender-Based Violence, Climate and Women’s Entrepreneurship, Private Equities, Capital Markets and Intersectionality

• Past, present, and future: Reflect on the past decade’s progress, examine the current state of gender lens investing, and envision future strategies for systemic change.

• Diverse expertise and voices: Learn how civil society, women's rights organizations and funders are driving effective field-building across diverse geographies and thematic areas, and changing their practices to advance the field. Unpack how investors incorporate a gender lens in their practices and policies.

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Convergence Format

Convergence is designed to lead participants through a journey in which each week’s conversations build upon the concepts and outcomes of the previous week. We’ll move from framing conversations that dig deep into the ‘what’ of the challenges we face, and then explore strategy, design, and implementation of new possibilities. You will be invited to ~12 hours of programming spread across 4 weeks.

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This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with diverse field-builders committed to advancing systems change and intersectional gender equity - by focusing on financial systems.

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By joining this conversation, you’ll have the chance to help redefine the field’s direction, map its key components, and shape what comes next.

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The Agenda

The Convergence agenda is designed to take participants on a journey from framing the future to developing concrete action plans. The overarching goal is to reimagine the future of gender lens investing in a process that blends practicality and imagination. Based on the interests of participants joining the conversation, we will focus the discussion on specific geographies, asset classes, or audiences. The conversations will also integrate cross-cutting global themes such as AI and climate change, recognizing their profound impact.

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Convergence guides participants through a structured process, moving from framing potential futures for gender lens investing to strategizing transformations, designing solutions, and implementing action. Each stage builds on the last—exploring trends, identifying leverage points, mapping strategies, and mobilizing key stakeholders across diverse asset classes, industries, and geographies. This surfaces insights, strategies, and solutions that are most relevant to the participants’ contexts. Participants will be able to visualize this progression in real-time: we will map key insights, strategies, and action points in Mural boards, creating a dynamic, interactive representation of the journey from framing possibilities to driving implementation.

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Register Now

We are inviting you to join us in this critical conversation, to lend your voice and vision to a redefined gender lens investing landscape.  

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Don’t miss your chance to shape the conversation and be part of this transformative dialogue.  

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Tickets are $250. Register today.

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Help us expand who shapes the future of the field.

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Convenings are shaped by those who join the conversation, and as we reimagine the future of gender lens investing, you can help expand the perspectives represented by inviting inspiring leaders to share their insights. Consider purchasing a ticket for someone whose voice should be heard or support a cohort to ensure that a wider range of experiences and expertise shape our collective vision. Together, we can create a more inclusive and impactful conversation that moves the field forward.  

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You can also support Convergence for $5,000. Contact us to find out more or download our brochure for more information.

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Support a cohort of field builders

Who will you invite?

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