Viability of Gender Bonds in SSA: A Landscape Analysis and Feasibility Assessment

Gender bonds are broadly defined as bonds that support the advancement, empowerment and equality of women, though no official definition exists. Like other themed bonds, they can be issued as senior unsecured notes referencing the balance sheet of the issuer, but where proceeds are ring-fenced for specific use on eligible ‘gender’ activities, or as securitisations referencing a pool of assets directly.