The FTSE 100 has endured huge volatility following government restrictions and this will continue to as long as futures, human behaviour and attitudes remain uncertain.
The WealthiHer research 2020 found that 85% of women want to invest sustainably and to make a difference. Rising to 90% of women under 38. But with greater influence, more autonomy, increasing confidence and shedloads of wealth behind them, women are increasingly in a position to create a better future for everyone.
They have a broader definition of sustainable investments. For men it’s more about the environment but for women, the definition includes businesses who demonstrate gender balance internally, avoiding those that have a negative impact on women and girls; both in the type of product or service but also in the supply chain. Learning from the 2008 crash - Iceland’s women played a key role in commercial and environmental recovery. The ‘Björk fund’ was set up to boost the ravaged economy by investing in green technology.
This female intent to invest well means looking at investments differently:
WealthiHER believe that women have the power and the right attitudes to make a difference for ourselves, our children, future generations and the planet. We just need to use our power to demand these standards are upheld in the companies we invest in and spend with – now more than ever. For the benefit of everyone.
Deborah Gilihan, founder of The 100% Club, a multi-sector alliance for professional women was part of WealthiHER’s Impact investing virtual seminar where we delved deeper into this.
Investing for positive impact goes beyond avoiding harm and mitigating risks and is at the centre of a wider movement towards more responsible investing and considering the impact of investing more generally.
Here’s some key take-outs from the full seminar that you can watch here: