2X Criteria is the global standard for gender finance unifying investors under one framework and language. The 2X Criteria has been harmonised and integrated into major finance standard setting frameworks and have been adopted by hundreds of capital providers reaching thousands of businesses globally.
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2X Criteria
Reference Guide
2X Criteria Reference Guide
Alignment with the 2X Criteria can be achieved by meeting the Basic 2X ESG (including safeguarding) and minimum Governance & Accountability requirements, AND (a) have at least ONE of the six 2X Criteria met, and (b) provide a time-bound commitment to meeting an additional Criteria. Thresholds under each Criterion are country and sector specific.
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Basic 2X ESG refers to the basic assessment of an investee’s fundamental environmental and social (E&S) standards that is required for 2X alignment. The investee’s ESG performance should be a factor when assessing 2X alignment to confirm that the investee is not contributing to negative impacts on women.
Environmental & social risk management (E&S) according to international standards as well as Business Integrity checks represent the foundational starting point. Particular attention must be paid to gender risks, including gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in advance of qualifying any investment under the 2X Criteria.
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The Governance & Accountability (G&A) Criteria is intended to offer a thorough assessment of intentionality. Intentionality has always been a key principle of the 2X Criteria and is now codified as G&A.
Minimum Governance & Accountability requirements to be 2X eligible include at least:
One (1) indicator in Strategic action,
One (1) indicator in Management systems, and
One (1) gender data requirement.
2X Criteria thresholds
These thresholds provide minimum requirements for global gender lens investment and organisational practices for companies and investors of all sizes.
It is responsive to country and sector-specific benchmarks based on the best available data at the time. All underlying sources & the methodology for benchmarking are linked underneath the tool. The tool works best when used on a desktop browser.
Move billions with us.
The 2X Challenge is a flagship initiative launched by 2X Global at the G7 Summit 2018 to increase investments that empower women in developing countries to access economically beneficial opportunities, products and services.
Since its inception, the 2X Challenge has collectively raised US$ 33.6 Billion in gender lens investments from 2018 to 2023.
The next round of the 2X Challenge brings together public and private capital providers to commit to invest and mobilise at least US$ 20 Billion over three years under the 2X Criteria. Given the urgency of climate action, investments at the nexus of gender and climate finance are encouraged.