NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The current COVID-19 pandemic is not only a global health crisis, but a social and economic crisis that has disproportionately affected women by exacerbating already existing and intersecting forms of inequality. The negative economic impact of lockdowns and the decreased demand for goods and services often produced or provided by women are posing a real threat to women’s employment, livelihoods, and economic empowerment.

On July 15, 2020, Devex and the CDC Group will convene a group of experts to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on women’s economic empowerment and livelihoods — as well as to explore some of the solutions that can help ensure their access to finance, job opportunities, and career growth. We’ll specifically explore the role that impact investors, financial institutions, responsible investors, and the private sector could play in sustainable job creation and why this must be at the forefront of the economic recovery post-pandemic.