TruStory
Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has long faced gender-specific barriers, such as limited access to finance, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and workforce disparities. The Gender Lens Investing (GLI) programme directly addresses these challenges by promoting a paradigm shift that encourages stakeholders to adopt gender-smart financing and practices. It redefines the entrepreneurial ecosystem by promoting gender inclusivity and equity.
This initiative, developed through the collaborative efforts of Truvalu and the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh’s B-Briddhi programme, integrates gender considerations into all aspects of business and investment processes, including sourcing, due diligence, structuring, and portfolio management.
By fostering collaboration among investors, financial institutions, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, the GLI programme is working to eliminate gender inequities while unlocking untapped economic potential. This initiative envisions a future where gender-focused businesses thrive, innovative financial solutions are readily available, and gender diversity serves as a catalyst for nationwide progress.
The GLI programme is built on three pillars:
The programme’s emphasis on both social impact and financial viability creates a robust framework that benefits not only women (focused) entrepreneurs but also the broader economic landscape. By addressing barriers like limited access to capital, underrepresentation, and cultural challenges, GLI paves the way for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The program empowers women focused entrepreneurs by equipping them with essential leadership skills, promoting workforce diversity, and addressing long-standing gender disparities. Women-led businesses gain access to valuable resources, mentorship, and networks, which enable them to make strategic decisions and drive their businesses toward growth. Increased representation of women in leadership roles creates a ripple effect, inspiring future generations to overcome societal barriers and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Over a four-year period, the program aims to create a more inclusive financial landscape while aligning with global priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5 (Gender Equality), 8 (Decent Work), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Global Partnerships).
The GLI programme is unique in its commitment to fostering systemic change in Bangladesh’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Unlike conventional programmes, GLI takes a multidimensional approach by embedding gender equity across training, investment, and advocacy efforts. This initiative not only equips women (focused) entrepreneurs with essential tools but also transforms how financial institutions and stakeholders perceive and support gender-inclusive businesses. Additionally, the programme fosters an ecosystem of collaboration, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to co-create solutions that drive long-term impact. Its focus on practical tools (such as customized Business Development, impact measurement frameworks, and networking platforms) ensures that participants can translate learnings into actionable outcomes.
As GLI gains more traction globally, the programme in Bangladesh will become a key platform for creating sustainable business ecosystems where women’s contributions are valued and supported. In the coming years, the GLI programme plans to expand its reach to include more women-led enterprises across Bangladesh. With the success of the initial phases in Chattogram, Dhaka, and Rangpur, the programme will extend to additional regions, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
This broader geographical coverage will enable more women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to benefit from capacity-building, business development services, and networking opportunities.
Truvalu plans to collaborate with more financial institutions, development agencies, and impact investors to design innovative financial products specifically tailored to the needs of women focused entrepreneurs.
“The insightful Business Development Services sessions by Truvalu have been immensely beneficial in helping me understand the investors’ perspective, which has significantly improved my pitching skills,” said Jesmin Akhtar Nila, founder of Shondhibazar.
Truvalu: