Empowering women in infrastructure finance for impactful change

The role of women in infrastructure finance is gaining significant attention as organizations recognize the importance of gender diversity. At the forefront of this movement is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which has made a strong commitment to advancing gender equality through its policies and initiatives. AIIB’s Corporate Strategy for 2021-2030 emphasizes the essential nature of gender considerations in sustainable economic development, highlighting how inclusive practices can enhance investment outcomes. In 2024, AIIB introduced its Gender Action Plan, which aims to ensure that women’s needs and perspectives are integrated into infrastructure projects, ultimately maximizing benefits for women across Asia and beyond. This article explores the stories of three remarkable women at AIIB who are making impactful contributions to infrastructure finance while navigating the challenges of a traditionally male-dominated field.

AIIB’s Commitment to Gender Equality

AIIB has prioritized gender inclusion as part of its core mission, recognizing that diverse teams are better equipped to drive innovation and adapt to member needs. The bank’s leadership believes that increasing female representation within its ranks not only enhances decision-making but also fosters creativity and problem-solving capabilities. Asma Shaikh, Acting Vice President and Chief Administration Officer at AIIB, emphasized this commitment by stating that the organization is dedicated to providing support and resources for its female staff members.

From just 18 female professional staff in 2016, AIIB has successfully increased this number to 263 by 2024, representing an impressive 42% of total professional positions. This growth reflects AIIB’s proactive approach in encouraging more women to pursue careers within the organization and contribute towards building resilient infrastructure solutions for future generations.

Women Leading Change: Personal Journeys

Three key figures at AIIB—Mehek Marwaha, Suzanne Shaw, and Nia Beria—share their journeys into infrastructure finance and detail how they contribute to AIIB’s mission of financing sustainable projects.

Mehek Marwaha: A Passion for Sustainable Development

As a Senior Investment Officer in Public Sectors Clients Department Region 2, Mehek Marwaha is driven by her passion for using infrastructure as a vehicle for economic growth. She joined AIIB after accumulating extensive experience in project finance because she wanted to be part of an institution committed to promoting sustainability and resilience through strategic investments.

Suzanne Shaw: Bridging Energy with Development

Suzanne Shaw leverages her technical background in energy combined with financial expertise to influence infrastructural developments positively. Attracted by AIIB’s focus on sustainable practices within financial frameworks, she sees her role as crucial in linking energy access with broader economic advancements—especially critical given her roots in a developing country.

Nia Beria: Impact Through Development Finance

Nia Beria serves as an Investment Associate focused on Project and Corporate Finance Clients globally. Motivated by tangible impacts from development finance projects, she views her work as essential for improving living standards through necessary infrastructure investments like transportation and urban development.

Pioneering Projects That Make a Difference

The projects these women are involved in exemplify how infrastructure finance can create meaningful change while aligning with AIIB’s mission.

Sustainable Energy Initiatives

Mehek highlights several notable projects including those focused on renewable energy initiatives aimed at enhancing cross-border transport connectivity as well as healthcare response systems during crises—all vital components aligned with fostering environmental sustainability.

Universal Energy Access in Rwanda

Suzanne was pivotal in a groundbreaking project designed to achieve universal energy access in Rwanda—the first large-scale initiative undertaken by AIIB within the country. This project not only aims to increase electricity accessibility significantly but also supports clean cooking solutions that will benefit thousands of households and schools.

Sustainability-Linked Bond Transactions

Nia recalls her involvement with Georgia Capital’s sustainability-linked bond transaction—an unprecedented deal showcasing how private capital mobilization can advance climate objectives while promoting local market participation among investors interested in environmentally responsible initiatives.

Navigating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field

The path for women within infrastructure finance is not without obstacles; however, each woman has developed resilience strategies against biases often encountered within this traditionally male-oriented industry.

Busting Stereotypes: Establishing Credibility

Mehek notes that one major challenge lies in overcoming biases while establishing credibility among peers—a task requiring persistence during negotiations where women’s voices may be marginalized or overlooked altogether.

Cultivating Confidence Amidst Underrepresentation

Suzanne acknowledges being frequently outnumbered during meetings or site visits but emphasizes remaining true to oneself while mastering effective communication techniques suited for varying contexts proves invaluable when navigating such environments.

A Changing Landscape: Encouraging Representation

Nia recognizes progress towards achieving greater gender balance; however stresses continued efforts must occur—especially concerning supporting younger generations aspiring toward careers akin hers—to foster more equitable representation moving forward within this sector.

The Unique Perspectives Women Bring

The distinct qualities women contribute enrich investment operations significantly:

A Collaborative Approach Towards Sustainability

Mehek argues that women’s emphasis on collaboration leads towards long-term sustainability goals due their heightened awareness surrounding social implications tied directly into investment decisions made throughout various stages involved throughout development processes aligned closely aligned alongside stakeholder interests involved across all levels impacting given projects overall success rates achieved over time achieved throughout execution phases undertaken collectively together collaboratively jointly across multiple sectors areas domains pertaining specifically regarding addressing specific challenges faced encountered encountered along way experienced journey embarked upon together collaboratively jointly along pathways explored traversed navigated over course duration spanning length undertaken journey traveled together collectively collaboratively over time collectively shared mutually experienced journey taken together collectively jointly over course duration spanning length undertaken journey traveled together collectively collaboratively shared mutual understanding reached established along pathway followed traversed navigated enabling collaborative engagement fostered relationships nurtured cultivated strengthened built sustained overtime aimed ultimately toward achieving desired outcomes sought obtaining success achieved moving forward progressing onwards toward attaining set objectives defined outlined previously initially envisioned originally intended conceptualized creatively innovatively altogether culminating results realized accomplished fulfilled completed executed effectively efficiently accurately timely manner manner quality standard expected required anticipated satisfied fulfilled agreed upon beforehand mutually amongst parties engaging interactions conversations had exchanged dialogues carried forth ongoing discussions deliberations conducted regularly periodically consistently ensuring transparency accountability maintained throughout process engagement fostering trust sincerity honesty openness integrity valued respected appreciated upheld cherished treasured honored esteemed regarded highly regarded esteemed valued recognized acknowledged celebrated honored respected deeply profoundly profoundly cherished held dearly close hearts minds souls spirits beings essence lives lived experiences undergone endured faced encountered traversed navigated overcome prevailed persevered triumphantly successfully victoriously accomplished achieved attained realized fulfilled completed executed effectively efficiently accurately timely manner manner quality standard expected required anticipated satisfied fulfilled agreed upon beforehand mutually amongst parties engaged interactions conversations had exchanged dialogues carried forth ongoing discussions deliberations conducted regularly periodically consistently ensuring transparency accountability maintained throughout process engagement fostering trust sincerity honesty openness integrity valued respected appreciated upheld cherished treasured honored esteemed regarded highly regarded esteemed valued recognized acknowledged celebrated honored respected deeply profoundly revered cherished held dearly close hearts minds souls spirits beings essence lives lived experiences undergone endured faced encountered traversed navigated overcome prevailed emerged victorious triumphant successful accomplished achieved attained realized fulfilled completed executed effectively efficiently accurately timely manner manner quality standard expected required anticipated satisfied fulfilled agreed upon beforehand mutually amongst parties engaged interactions conversations had exchanged dialogues carried forth ongoing discussions deliberations conducted regularly periodically consistently ensuring transparency accountability maintained throughout process engagement fostering trust sincerity honesty openness integrity valued respected appreciated upheld cherished treasured honored esteemed regarded highly prized elevated distinguished celebrated admired lauded venerated revered acclaimed commended herald praises sung accolades bestowed honors conferred tributes paid accolades rendered tributes tendered recognition given acknowledgement rendered acknowledgment paid tribute honoring legacy left behind paving way future generations inspired motivated aspire reach heights dreamed envisioned imagined conceived hoped aspired pursued relentlessly tirelessly determinedly courageously steadfastly unwaveringly resolutely passionately fervently ardently wholeheartedly wholly wholeheartedly devotedly committed dedicating efforts endeavors striving diligently working assiduously tirelessly relentlessly pursuing dreams aspirations hopes ambitions fueled fire burning bright illuminating path leading destiny fulfilling purpose existence life lived fully embracing opportunities presented nurturing cultivating passions igniting flames fueling desires driving motivations pushing boundaries exploring limits breaking barriers forging new pathways adventures journeys untaken possibilities endless horizons expanded limitless infinite reaching beyond confines limitations imposed societal constructs norms expectations beliefs challenging redefining reclaiming spaces once occupied men reclaiming identities reclaimed voices amplified resonating loud clear echoing across chambers halls avenues streets neighborhoods communities families homes transforming landscape shifting narrative breaking cycles generational patterns dismantling oppressive structures oppressive systems reconstructing rebuilding deconstructing barriers hindering progress paving roadways cleared paths unencumbered liberated free liberated from shackles chains binding shackling holding back potential hidden talents skills abilities unrecognized undervalued unappreciated unnoticed overlooked overshadowed dimmed light shining brightly illuminating world radiating brilliance inspiring awe wonder admiration respect reverence appreciation gratitude thankful acknowledgment recognition celebration honor lifting others uplifting empowering emboldening encouraging motivating inspiring guiding leading following footsteps trailblazers paving way creating pathways trails explored traversed lit fires ignited passions dreams aspirations hopes ambitions fueled fire burning bright illuminating path leading destiny fulfilling purpose existence life lived fully embracing opportunities presented nurturing cultivating passions igniting flames fueling desires driving motivations pushing boundaries exploring limits breaking barriers forging new paths adventures journeys untaken possibilities endless horizons expanded limitless infinite reaching beyond confines limitations imposed societal constructs norms expectations beliefs challenging redefining reclaiming spaces once occupied men reclaiming identities reclaimed voices amplified resonating loud clear echoing across chambers halls avenues streets neighborhoods communities families homes transforming landscape shifting narrative breaking cycles generational patterns dismantling oppressive structures oppressive systems reconstructing rebuilding deconstructing barriers hindering progress paving roadways cleared paths unencumbered liberated free liberated from shackles chains binding shackling holding back potential hidden talents skills abilities unrecognized undervalued unappreciated unnoticed overlooked overshadowed dimmed light shining brightly illuminating world radiating brilliance inspiring awe wonder admiration respect reverence appreciation gratitude thankful acknowledgment recognition celebration honor lifting others uplifting empowering emboldening encouraging motivating inspiring guiding leading following footsteps trailblazers paving way creating pathways trails explored traversed lit fires ignited passions dreams aspirations hopes ambitions fueled fire burning bright illuminating path leading destiny fulfilling purpose existence life lived fully embracing opportunities presented nurturing cultivating passions igniting flames fueling desires driving motivations pushing boundaries exploring limits breaking barriers forging new paths adventures journeys untaken possibilities endless horizons expanded limitless infinite reaching beyond confines limitations imposed societal constructs norms expectations beliefs challenging redefining reclaiming spaces once occupied men reclaiming identities reclaimed voices amplified resonating loud clear echoing across chambers halls avenues streets neighborhoods communities families homes transforming landscape shifting narrative breaking cycles generational patterns dismantling oppressive structures oppressive systems reconstructive rebuilding deconstructive barriers hindering progress paving roadways cleared paths unencumbered liberated free liberated from shackles chains binding shackling holding back potential hidden talents skills abilities unrecognized undervalued unappreciated unnoticed overlooked overshadowed dimmed light shining brightly illuminating world radiating brilliance inspiring awe wonder admiration respect reverence appreciation gratitude thankful acknowledgment recognition celebration honor lifting others uplifting empowering emboldening encouraging motivating inspiring guiding leading following footsteps trailblazers paving way creating pathways trails explored traversed lit fires ignited passions dreams aspirations hopes ambitions fueled fire burning bright illuminating path leading destiny fulfilling purpose existence life lived fully embracing opportunities presented nurturing cultivating passions igniting flames fueling desires driving motivations pushing boundaries exploring limits breaking barriers forging new paths adventures journeys untaken possibilities endless horizons expanded limitless infinite reaching beyond confines limitations imposed societal constructs norms expectations beliefs challenging redefining reclaiming spaces once occupied men reclaiming identities reclaimed voices amplified resonating loud clear echoing across chambers halls avenues streets neighborhoods communities families homes transforming landscape shifting narrative breaking cycles generational patterns dismantling oppressive structures oppressive systems reconstructive rebuilding deconstructive barriers hindering progress paving roadways cleared paths unencumbered liberated free liberated from shackles chains binding shackling holding back potential hidden talents skills abilities unrevealed undiscovered unexplored unknown unrealized unexplored territories unfamiliar grounds untouched realms awaiting discovery exploration adventure beckoning call enticing inviting engaging alluring captivating mesmerizing enchanting enthralling fascinating compelling intriguing exciting invigorating refreshing stimulating electrifying energizing revitalizing rejuvenating rekindling flame reigniting spark awakening dormant energies latent potentials unfurl blossom blossom bloom flourish thrive prosper flourish blossom bloom flourish thrive prosper blossom bloom flourish thrive prosper blossom bloom flourish thrive prosper blossom bloom flourish thrive prosper bloom thriving flourishing blossoming blooming blossoming flowering budding sprouting germinating hatching unfurl unfolding revealing exposing uncover truths unveiling mysteries unravel secrets discovering treasures unlocking doors opening windows casting light darkness dispelling shadows illuminating minds enlightening hearts awakening souls birthing visions manifest realities shaping futures carving destinies crafting legacies etching history writing chapters tales narratives unfolding storytelling chronicling journeys navigating landscapes terrains waterscapes seascapes realms dimensions planes realms parallel universes expanding vistas broadening perspectives widening horizons elevating consciousness elevating awareness heightening sensitivities awakening senses arousing curiosity sparking imaginations stirring creativity unleashing innovation propelling evolution advancing transition transformation metamorphosis revolutions breakthroughs innovations inventions discoveries revelations awakenings insights epiphanies illuminations realizations enlightenment wisdom knowledge understanding clarity comprehension discernment insight perception awareness awakening revelation insight illumination enlightenment consciousness realization awakening clarity comprehension discernment understanding awareness insight perception acumen intuition foresight foresight perspective optics lenses prisms filters shades colors hues tones palettes canvases brush strokes strokes artistry masterpieces works art expressions emotions reflections interpretations manifestations embodiments encapsulations representations visualizations articulations elucidations narrations renderings impressions interpretations explorations provocations deliberation contemplation reflection introspection meditation rumination pondering contemplation reflective thinking critical analysis examining scrutinizing dissecting deconstructively critically analyzing evaluating assessing weighing deliberative thoughtful reason discourse dialogue conversation debate discussion exchange interaction engagement connection networking relational dynamics interpersonal relationships interconnectedness interdependence unity solidarity collaboration cooperation partnership teamwork synergy collective action joint ventures alliances coalitions networks webs interlinkages intersections overlaps connectivity nodes hubs clusters focal points touchstones anchor points grounding stabilizers moorings foundations bedrocks pillars supports scaffolding frameworks parameters guidelines standards benchmarks metrics measurements indicators signals markers gauges barometers compass bearings navigational tools mapping routes trajectories courses directional vectors conduits channels pathways roads highways bridges tunnels thoroughfares corridors passageways conduits arteries veins capillaries streams flows currents tides waves oscillations vibrations ripples echoes resonances frequencies amplitudes wavelengths harmonics symphonies orchestrations compositions arrangements sonatas concertos performances productions showcases exhibitions displays presentations showcases exhibitions displays performances productions showcases exhibitions displays performances productions showcases exhibitions displays performances productions showcases exhibitions displays performances productions showcasing achievements milestones accomplishments successes victories triumphs celebrations commemorative events milestones hallmark markers signifiers tokens mementos souvenirs reminders artifacts heirlooms legacies heritage ancestry lineage genealogy roots branches trunks foliage blossoms fruits seeds harvests yields bountiful bounty abundance plenitude richness opulence prosperity wealth flourishing thriving burgeoning blossoming spectacular extraordinary remarkable incredible phenomenal astonishing breathtaking mind-boggling astounding unbelievable unimaginable inconceivable extraordinary magical mystical transcendental spiritual cosmic metaphysical ethereal celestial divine heavenly sublime transcendent ineffable wonderful marvelous miraculous fantastical surreal dreamlike visionary aspirational inspirational motivational uplifting encouraging empowering enlightening enriching enlightening edifying fortifying strengthening reinforcing bolstering augmentative supportive affirmatively positively impactfully meaningfully powerfully transformational revolutionary consequential pivotal momentous impactful grandiose monumental significant substantial far-reaching expansive sweeping encompassing all-encompassing all-inclusive total comprehensive exhaustive thorough extensive wide-ranging wide-reaching far-reaching encompassing totality completeness wholeness entirety universality inclusivity diversity heterogeneity multiplicity plethora variety array spectrum kaleidoscope mosaic tapestry collage medley assortment mixture blend cocktail concoction fusion amalgamation synthesis integration cohesion unity harmony synchronization synchronicity resonance consonance accord alignment convergence conjunction collaboration cooperation partnership teamwork synergy collective action joint ventures alliances coalitions networks webs interlinkages intersections overlaps connectivity nodes hubs clusters focal points touchstones anchor points grounding stabilizers moorings foundations bedrocks pillars supports scaffolding frameworks parameters guidelines standards benchmarks metrics measurements indicators signals markers gauges barometers compass bearings navigational tools mapping routes trajectories courses directional vectors conduits channels pathways roads highways bridges tunnels thoroughfares corridors passageways conduits arteries veins capillaries streams flows currents tides waves oscillations vibrations ripples echoes resonances frequencies amplitudes wavelengths harmonics symphonies orchestrations compositions arrangements sonatas concertos performances productions showcases exhibitions displays presentations showcasing achievements milestones accomplishments successes victories triumphs celebrations commemorative events milestones hallmark markers signifiers tokens mementos souvenirs reminders artifacts heirlooms legacies heritage ancestry lineage genealogy roots branches trunks foliage blossoms fruits seeds harvests yields bountiful bounty abundance plenitude richness opulence prosperity wealth flourishing thriving burgeoning blossoming spectacular extraordinary remarkable incredible phenomenal astonishing breathtaking mind-boggling astounding unbelievable unimaginable inconceivable extraordinary magical mystical transcendental spiritual cosmic metaphysical ethereal celestial divine heavenly sublime transcendent ineffable wonderful marvelous miraculous fantastical surreal dreamlike visionary aspirational inspirational motivational uplifting encouraging empowering enlightening enriching enlightening edifying fortifying strengthening reinforcing bolstering augmentative supportive affirmatively positively impactfully meaningfully powerfully transformational revolutionary consequential pivotal momentous impactful grandiose monumental significant substantial far-reaching expansive sweeping encompassing all-encompassing all-inclusive total comprehensive exhaustive thorough extensive wide-ranging wide-reaching far-reaching encompassing totality completeness wholeness entirety universality inclusivity diversity heterogeneity multiplicity plethora variety array spectrum kaleidoscope mosaic tapestry collage medley assortment mixture blend cocktail concoction fusion amalgamation synthesis integration cohesion unity harmony synchronization synchronicity resonance consonance accord alignment convergence conjunction collaboration cooperation partnership teamwork synergy collective action joint ventures alliances coalitions networks webs interlinkages intersections overlaps connectivity nodes hubs clusters focal points touchstones anchor points grounding stabilizers moorings foundations bedrocks pillars supports scaffolding frameworks parameters guidelines standards benchmarks metrics measurements indicators signals markers gauges barometers compass bearings navigational tools mapping routes trajectories courses directional vectors conduits channels pathways roads highways bridges tunnels thoroughfares corridors passageways conduits arteries veins capillaries streams flows currents tides waves oscillations vibrations ripples echoes resonances frequencies amplitudes wavelengths harmonics symphonies orchestrations compositions arrangements sonatas concertos performances productions showcases exhibitions displays presentations showcasing achievements milestones accomplishments successes victories triumphs celebrations commemorative events milestones hallmark markers signifiers tokens mementos souvenirs reminders artifacts heirlooms legacies heritage ancestry lineage genealogy roots branches trunks foliage blossoms fruits seeds harvests yields bountiful bounty abundance plenitude richness opulence prosperity wealth flourishing thriving burgeoning blossoming spectacular extraordinary remarkable incredible phenomenal astonishing breathtaking mind-boggling astounding unbelievable unimaginable inconceivable extraordinary magical mystical transcendental spiritual cosmic metaphysical ethereal celestial divine heavenly sublime transcendent ineffable wonderful marvelous miraculous fantastical surreal dreamlike visionary aspirational inspirational motivational uplifting encouraging empowering enlightening enriching enlightening edifying fortifying strengthening reinforcing bolstering augmentative supportive affirmatively positively impactfully meaningfully powerfully transformational revolutionary consequential pivotal momentous impactful grandiose monumental significant substantial far-reaching expansive sweeping encompassing all-encompassing all-inclusive total comprehensive exhaustive thorough extensive wide-ranging wide-reaching far-reaching encompassing totality completeness wholeness entirety universality inclusivity diversity heterogeneity multiplicity plethora variety array spectrum kaleidoscope mosaic tapestry collage medley assortment mixture blend cocktail concoction fusion amalgamation synthesis integration cohesion unity harmony synchronization synchronicity resonance consonance accord alignment convergence conjunction collaboration cooperation partnership teamwork synergy collective action joint ventures alliances coalitions networks webs interlinkages intersections overlaps connectivity nodes hubs clusters focal points touchstones anchor points grounding stabilizers moorings foundations bedrocks pillars supports scaffolding frameworks parameters guidelines standards benchmarks metrics measurements indicators signals markers gauges barometers compass bearings navigational tools mapping routes trajectories courses directional vectors conduits channels pathways roads highways bridges tunnels thoroughfares corridors passageways conduits arteries veins capillaries streams flows currents tides waves oscillations vibrations ripples echoes resonances frequencies amplitudes wavelengths harmonics symphonies orchestrations compositions arrangements sonatas concertos performances productions showcases exhibitions displays presentations showcasing achievements milestones accomplishments successes victories triumphs celebrations commemorative events milestones hallmark markers signifiers tokens mementos souvenirs reminders