Emerging climate-smart technologies and innovations in production systems are reshaping responses to the climate crisis. Established solutions like solar photovoltaic (PV) systems continue to expand their market reach in developing countries.

In this context, new evidence from the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World (GLOW) programme underscores the importance of applying a gender lens to low-carbon, climate-resilient businesses. This approach helps unlock their full potential for economic sustainability and climate impact.

A gender lens involves incorporating policies, structures, and measures that:

• Identify and reduce barriers faced by women.
• Empower women as leaders and entrepreneurs in the private sector.
• Ensure women have access to decent jobs or higher-value economic opportunities.
• Make the benefits of private sector activities equitable and accessible to women.

This policy brief is designed for entrepreneurs in low-carbon, climate-resilient sectors and the public sector financiers and impact investors who support them. It presents findings from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) innovating in agriculture, aquaculture, and related value chains. The brief highlights how SME leaders can strengthen their businesses by adopting gender lens approaches, with impact investors playing a critical role in enhancing this capacity.

Integrating gender lens and women’s empowerment strategies is not only equitable—it is essential for the success of climate-smart businesses.

Published on the Overseas Development Institute website