During portfolio management, fund managers can support investees in implementing priority initiatives and solutions to meet agreed/stated gender targets or outcomes. A fund manager typically is not engaged in the day-to-day operations of an investee, but can play an influential role in driving gender outcomes. Fund managers and investees can agree to an action plan and regular reporting to monitor progress. Throughout the duration of the investment, significant gender impact and value can be fostered in this way.
At a minimum, all companies must comply with local regulations and international standards and should include within their employment and human resources policies commitments to gender equality. Fund managers should assess which policies the company already follows, and which it might be required to adopt to prevent gender-based discrimination. Further information on managing gender-based risks during Portfolio Management can be found in the BII ESG Toolkit for Fund Managers.
