Dear friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of Through the Lens, our quarterly publication designed to inform, equip and mobilise leaders shaping the flow of capital towards gender equality.

This edition looks at how we move from intention to action. It brings together evidence, policy influence, practical tools and examples of gender-wise investing in practice, showing how funders, investors and decision-makers can make gender visible in the systems and choices that shape where capital flows.

Inside you’ll find:

• The Gender Lens Investing Collaborative’s (convened by AIIW,) first public submission to the Productivity Commission’s Business Dynamism Inquiry, calling for a gender lens to be applied to public capital already being deployed.
• New evidence from the World Economic Forum and Gender Index Australia, reinforcing both Australia’s progress and the economic opportunity of backing women-led businesses.
• The launch of Lens Check, AIIW’s five-minute self-audit for grant makers, with practical next steps to strengthen gender-wise giving.
• A new Stories of Impact feature on Scale Investors and the opportunity to address the gender investment and innovation gaps.
• Insights from the State of Gender Equality in Victoria’s Public Sector 2026 report and Towards gender equity in cancer care.
• Reflections from the Breakfast of Champions for Gender Equality and the Philanthropy Australia Conference.
• Opportunities to contribute to the State of Gender-wise Giving Survey 2026, connect through our Project Portal and take part in upcoming Gender Lens Investing consultation roundtables.