Criterion Institute is dedicated to expanding what is seen as possible for using finance to create transformative social change. At our core, our focus is on power. We examine power within financial systems, the structures, processes, and functions within finance that dictate how the system operates.

In 2017, we made a strategic decision to intentionally focus 30% of Criterion’s work on the intersection of finance and gender-based violence. We worked with four key audiences; asset owners, asset managers, GBV experts and governments to foster will to act, imagination and understanding. Over the years, Criterion has developed publications focused on addressing GBV including Roadmap for Development Finance Institutions: Strategies to Address Gender-based Violence, Shifting Power Dynamics to End Sexual Exploitation in Kenyan Supply Chains and Mitigating the Risks of Gender-Based Violence: A Due Diligence Guide for Investing.

We have seen a growing interest from many ecosystem actors eager to learn more about our work using finance to address GBV. In response to this enthusiasm, we will be organizing workshops to share lessons from our expertise in the field.

We are delighted to invite you to join us for our workshop designed to help you explore possibilities of how you might use systems of finance as a tool to address GBV. The workshop will introduce participants to the logic of finance and uncover leverage points and opportunities to influence the system.

Workshop on Financing the Reduction of Gender-Based Violence Jun 2025