By Carla Chízmar, CIFI’s Head of ESG
Infrastructure is the backbone of economic and social development in Latin America and the Caribbean. From logistics terminals to energy projects or waste management, investments directed towards these sectors impact the lives of millions of people. However, there is still a significant disparity in the incorporation of gender factors in the impact measurement of these projects. If we want to ensure inclusive and sustainable development, it is essential to adopt a gender approach in evaluating their benefits and challenges.
Gender Gaps and Infrastructure
Historically, infrastructure has been designed from a gender-neutral perspective, assuming that its benefits are the same for everyone. However, reality shows us that women and men benefit from these projects differently. Access to reliable energy and quality social infrastructure directly impacts security, access to employment, and quality of life in a gender-differentiated manner.
For example, in the telecommunications sector, women face greater barriers to accessing internet and technology services, limiting their opportunities for education and remote work. The gender digital gap remains a significant obstacle in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the need for investments in connectivity that consider the differences in access and use between women and men.
Measurement and Reduction of Inequalities
To drive this agenda forward, it is necessary for funders and developers to adopt impact measurement frameworks that include gender-disaggregated indicators. This involves collecting differentiated data, engaging communities in the design phase of projects, and ensuring that infrastructure solutions address the needs of all societal groups.To drive this agenda forward, it is necessary for funders and developers to adopt impact measurement frameworks that include gender-disaggregated indicators. This involves collecting differentiated data, engaging communities in the design phase of projects, and ensuring that infrastructure solutions address the needs of all societal groups.
As a leading responsible investment platform in the financing of infrastructure and energy projects in the region, CIFI has integrated the measurement of gender-differentiated impact statistics for all its investments since 2018, aligning with international best practices. The goal is to enable evidence-based decision-making to contribute to the reduction of inequalities.
For example, we measure the percentage of jobs held by women in CIFI’s portfolio, which has led to a 15 percentage point improvement, increasing from 13% in 2018 to 28% in 2023. The data collected through our strategic partners allows us to break down the information by country and sector, facilitating the identification of areas with the greatest need for improvement.
At CIFI, we believe that incorporating gender indicators in the impact measurement of projects is not only a matter of social equity but also a smart strategy to maximize the benefits of each investment and ensure long-term sustainable growth for the entire region. An approach that integrates a gender perspective allows for the identification of opportunities to direct funds towards more inclusive solutions with sustainable returns.
