Welcome Letter
Dear Friend,
I am still feeling ‘high’ from the incredible gathering at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). With its star studded line up, the most heartening thing at CGI was to see its commitment towards girls, women and the environment. Thus, it was indeed an honor to announce IIX’s commitment at CGI for women’s health through our Women’s Impact Bond.
Among the many take-aways and wisdom gained from the 2008 financial crisis, the two that stand out in my mind are, one, while the markets melted globally, the microfinance institutions still gave on average 14% return to its shareholders and two, if we had more female finance ministers, given the ‘holistic’ approach that women usually take in any field, this financial crisis could have been avoided. In other words, financial markets cannot ignore the part women play in this equation. With this wisdom, impact investing has grown over the last six years and continues to do its part to have women in center with the hope that the traditional markets will soon follow.
This IQ is dedicated to the women and men who are tirelessly working to make women a part of the sustainable growth equation.
Enjoy our version of ‘women power’!
From a beautiful, rainy Dhaka amid all the incredible women who shaped my life,

Durreen Shahnaz
Founder of IIX & Shujog
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