The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has partnered with 2X Global, a leading group pushing gender lens investing worldwide, to create a tailored toolkit and build skills for weaving gender into investment decisions across the Caribbean, according to a press release from March 16. Signed on March 5 ahead of International Women’s Day, this effort tackles finance gaps for women entrepreneurs hit by structural hurdles and cultural barriers. The core aim: equip investors with practical tools to support women-owned businesses and drive inclusive growth.
This work falls under the Caribbean GEMS project, which builds a stronger ecosystem for impact investing focused on gender equality. Women in the region have made strides in education and jobs, yet they struggle to secure funding for scaling enterprises. CDB’s move aligns with its Gender Equality Action Plan and Private Sector Strategy, using a US$350,000 grant from the Special Development Fund to fund the initiative.
The partnership will produce a Gender Lens Investing Acceleration Toolbox with templates, methodologies, and advice suited to Caribbean realities, matching 2X Global’s global standards. It includes certifying five local companies or funds, capturing case studies on challenges and successes to inspire wider adoption. A new digital academy and training platform will also equip investors, policymakers, and intermediaries with resources to apply these standards effectively.
Lisa Harding, CDB’s Private Sector Division Chief, highlighted the project’s focus: “Through Caribbean GEMS, we’re placing women entrepreneurs at the center of economic change, empowering them to grow resilient businesses—leveraging our tie-up with 2X Global for bigger impact.”
This collaboration reinforces CDB’s push for sustainable development, expanding tools like the SheTrades hub to help women-led firms thrive and close persistent finance gaps.