Evaluating Financial Performance and Social Outcomes of Gender-Focused Exchange-Traded and Mutual Funds: A Global Secondary-Data Analysis

DOI: https://doie.org/10.10399/ES.2026539578

Geetanjali Kapur, Swati Shrivastava

Keywords:

Gender Lens Investing, ESG, Exchange-Traded Funds, Mutual Funds, Social Impact, Sustainable Finance, Gender Equality

Abstract:

The evolution of gender-focused investing represents a transformative intersection between financial performance and social equity. Gender Lens Investing (GLI) has transitioned from a niche ethical concern to a mainstream financial strategy, integrating gender-based criteria into investment decision-making to promote equality and enhance corporate accountability. This paper analyzes the financial performance and social outcomes of gender-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds across global markets using secondary data from sources such as Veris Wealth Partners, Parallelle Finance, and Bloomberg. Through comparative evaluation of 45 funds between 2020 and 2024, the study examines correlations between gender diversity metrics, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) scores, and financial returns. Findings suggest that gender-focused funds exhibit competitive returns with slightly higher risk-adjusted volatility but outperform benchmarks in social impact indicators and corporate diversity disclosure practices. The study concludes that gender-lens finance, while not immune to market cycles, remains a critical instrument for aligning investment goals with sustainable and inclusive development

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