Growing Preference for Bonds with Gender-Related Themes
In a significant stride towards gender equality and women's empowerment, social and sustainability use-of-proceeds bonds have emerged as the frontrunners in the market, accounting for an impressive 81%. This revelation comes from a comprehensive study titled "Empowering Change: The Rise and Role of Gender-focused Bonds," published by the Climate Bonds Initiative in 2025.
The study, a collaborative effort between the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE) and 2X Global, analyses data on 576 sustainable bonds that allocate proceeds to projects or set objectives contributing to gender equality and women's empowerment. Since 2013, the issuances of gender bonds have more than doubled, according to the study, indicating a growing interest in this sector.
Corporate issuers predominantly located in Europe and Asia are leading the charge in gender-focused sustainability-linked bond issuances. These bonds typically fund women-led businesses, female entrepreneurship, education and inclusion, essential services, and female representation in leadership teams or boards.
CEO of 2X Global, Jessica Espinoza, highlighted the growth in issuances of gender-focused bonds as a positive signal for the market. She also announced that 2X Global is planning to launch their 2X Certification for gender bonds in the coming months, further strengthening the case for these initiatives.
The study emphasises the need for data collection, reporting, and standard-setting to strengthen the case for gender bonds. It suggests placing emphasis on clear gender intentionality, explicitly defined target groups, better data, robust reporting, and ambitious targets to propel the development of the gender-focused bond market.
The study, which follows on from the inaugural gender-focused bond study released by LuxSE in 2023, gives key insights into overall trends in the market and those driving the charge towards a more equal and inclusive future. It takes a deep dive into pre- and post-issuance data from the global pool of gender-focused bonds listed worldwide as of 1 June 2025.
Green and sustainability-linked bonds make up the final 19% of the market for financing projects that advance women's empowerment and gender equality. When it comes to use-of-proceeds sustainable bond issuances, supranational, sovereign, and agencies issuers lead the category of issuers.
The study concludes that the market interest in gender-focused sustainable finance is increasing, and with initiatives like the upcoming 2X Certification for gender bonds, the future looks promising for gender equality and women's empowerment.
You can download the full study here: Empowering Change: The Rise and Role of Gender-focused Bonds market study.
Read also:
- Understanding Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis: Key Facts
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
