Challenging paradigms: the road to gender equality in the social and and impact investment ecosystem

By | Rossnaira Martínez y Hugo Hernández
Red de Impacto LATAM

Within the social and impact entrepreneurship ecosystem in Latin America, a question comes up which requires a critical thinking approach: Are we witnessing an authentic gender revolution or are we simply letting ourselves get wrapped up in the illusion of change? In this ecosystem, where ideas bloom and gender equality presents itself as a central pillar, it is necessary to reflect upon the true conquest of equal opportunity.

The question remains and pushes us to explore further: Is this a genuine compromise by the actors in the impact ecosystem or is it simply a façade that adapts to circumstantial interests?

The mapping carried out by Red de Impacto LATAM, which is available on their website, has collected data from over 300 organizations that support entrepreneurship, including members and non-members of the network as well as entrepreneurs who seek a positive impact. This information analysis sheds light on part of the enigma.

The mapping reveals that 52% of the organizations that support entrepreneurship have at least one woman in a management position; however, this does not necessarily reflect gender equality in decision-making roles. If, in the majority of these organizations, there are several men for each woman in a position of leadership, then the representation of women in these roles is actually much lower.

Of the mapped organizations, 52% include the sustainable development goal (SDG) number 5, gender equality, in their projects. However, only 11 organizationsconsider this goal a priority. These data, though limited, lead us to an analysis that can be broadened, giving us a window into the internal dynamics of the ecosystem. In brief, gender equality is important, but not enough is being done.

This challenge goes beyond creating a façade of equality; it is a call to action, to have a leading role in an authentic revolution for the impact and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Latin America.

The impact ecosystem must leave behind the use of gender rhetoric as a public relations strategy without a real commitment. It is imperative to question whether it is defaulting to the practice of tokenism, that is, offering superficial concessions to a marginalized community, with little or no influence on changing the status quo. To avoid turning the fight for gender equality into a mere superficial gesture instead of a genuine drive toward meaningful change, authenticity and coherence are essential.

A large part of this could be attributed to the fact that these organizations still issue directives from within firmly seated traditional structures, despite identifying them as progressive. If this paradox is confirmed, it would reveal a clear disconnect between stated values of equality and the tangible reality in the ecosystem.

To achieve genuine and substantial progress, it is fundamental to take a more holistic approach, encompassing not only a balanced gender representation, but also equal participation in decision making and a fair allocation of authority. This means creating mechanisms of support, mentoring and financing specifically designed for women entrepreneurs, as well as fostering an organizational culture that champions and practices gender equality at all levels.

At Red de Impacto LATAM, with the commitment of more than 200 member organizations, we agree that change requires genuine dedication, the willingness to question and modify entrenched structures, and the implementation of inclusive strategies that promote true equality. Only in this way can we ensure that progress toward gender equality in these fields is more than a mere symbolic act, transforming it into a driver of profound and lasting change.

Summary of the analysis: Gender Equality in the Impact Ecosystem: Real Change or Gattopardism?

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