Transforming the care economy through impact investing
Overview
About the Hub
Since 2021, we have collaborated with IDRC and our global partners to generate actionable evidence to mobilize increased impact investment into the care economy. This page centralizes resources on how businesses and investors can advance gender equality and climate justice through recognizing, rewarding, reducing and redistributing care work.
For more information, explore our dedicated project pages for Transforming the Care Economy Through Impact Investing (TCEII) and the Care Economy Evidence Synthesis and Acceleration Programme.
Check out the business mapping, business profiles, case studies, and knowledge products below!
OUR CRITERIA
Business Mapping
After reviewing over 200 global businesses, 165+ were identified that met four key criteria: operating in target geographies; potential for an impact on the care economy (rewarding or redistributing care work); proof of concept; and a market-based approach.
Geography focus
Operating in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa or Asia.
Care economy impact
Business activities that recognize, reduce, reward or redistribute care work.
Proof of concept
Care economy activities at least at the launch stage (none of the businesses are at concept stage).
Market-based intervention
Already or planning to be financially profitable or to generate income in the medium term.
Business Profiles
Of the more than 165 businesses that we mapped globally, more in-depth profiles were developed for the 60 businesses that had the most impact and investment potential. These business profiles are intended to showcase potential investment opportunities. They have been created from information and data provided by the business itself between 2023 and 2024.
Phulki – Bangladesh
Phulki is the pioneer in establishing early childhood development programs in Bangladesh.
OneSky
Onesky is a non-profit that trains women operating daycares out of their homes in Vietnam’s industrial zones. OneSky also operates in China and Mongolia.
Case Studies
In depth research was carried out with 20 of the 60 profiled businesses, working with businesses to develop care economy theories of change and digging deeper into business innovation and challenges, as well as conducting qualitative research with consumers and users of business products and services to better understand the impact of these on their lives. These case studies present care economy social innovations and impactful businesses, helping to demonstrate investable and impactful business models.
Tierra Grata – Colombia
Tierra Grata is a social enterprise that provides access to clean energy, drinking water, and safe sanitation.
Symplifica – Colombia
Symplifica is an innovative platform that seeks to provide social security and extralegal benefits to domestic workers and nannies.
Homely – Mexico
Homely is a digital platform that connects clients with a trusted cleaning professional for their home or office more easily, quickly, and securely.
Knowledge Products
Our knowledge products provide insights into how businesses, investors, and ecosystem partners can address care economy challenges. These publications cover a range of topics, from investing at the gendered care-climate nexus, to understanding the impact pathways through which businesses and the investors that support them can have a material impact on care constraints, to a deep dive into multiple dimensions of different business models addressing care. All of our knowledge products aim to inform business operations, enhance impact measurement, and inform investment strategies. By spotlighting successful models and practical tools, we hope to drive greater investment and support for care-focused enterprises and initiatives globally.
CARE ECONOMY KNOWLEDGE HUB
Our Partners
