Truvalu roundtable focuses on green finance for women-led SMEs
Women-led SMEs can drive sustainable growth with inclusive financing, participants say
Truvalu, in collaboration with The Business Standard and with support from the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, held a roundtable discussion today (11 November) on the intersection of climate change and gender inclusion through innovative financing strategies.
The event convened investors, women entrepreneurs, and representatives from development organisations to explore gender-sensitive financial strategies in climate action.
The discussion centred on amplifying women's voices in climate action, recognising both their strengths and vulnerabilities, and emphasising the need for mobilising green finance for women-led SMEs to enhance resilience and drive sustainable growth in Bangladesh.
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Ameena Chowdhury, programme manager at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, opened the session by highlighting the importance of inclusive financing models that empower women facing climate vulnerabilities.
She underscored Switzerland's commitment to advancing sustainable solutions that promote both gender equity and climate resilience.
Machteld Ooijens, director of global programs and partnerships at Truvalu, explained that Truvalu's approach to Gender Lens Investing (GLI) aims to foster gender equality and environmental impact.
"We believe that collaboration within the ecosystem amplifies impact and accelerates progress," she said, advocating for informed investment decisions that account for gender and environmental factors.
Truvalu's Managing Director Sharawwat Islam expressed gratitude to participants, stating, "This round table is a significant step towards exploring financing solutions that address both climate change and gender equity. We're excited to partner with stakeholders who share our commitment towards social and environmental impact and sustainable economic development."
The round table featured interactive dialogues and an open Q&A session, promoting collaboration among stakeholders. Attendees shared best practices, gaining insights into how GLI can be adapted to support solutions addressing both climate and gender challenges.
The event concluded with a commitment to strengthen partnerships between investors and women-led green businesses, while also raising visibility for female entrepreneurs focused on climate-resilient innovations. Through these efforts, Truvalu aims to bridge gender disparities and foster sustainable growth in Bangladesh.
