Moonshot: Making the Equality Fund
Moonshot dives into the creation of one of the most ambitious feminist funds in the world. Across three episodes, we uncover the bold vision, relentless challenges, and groundbreaking collaborations that shaped the Equality Fund.
Moonshot: Making the Equality Fund is a story of bold bets and breakthrough moments. It charts how an idea to activate $1 billion for global gender equality became reality. This 3-part series dives into the highs and lows of building the Equality Fund, with lessons on overcoming pushback, transforming the financial ecosystem and forging unlikely partnerships between government, philanthropy, and the private sector. A must-listen for those shaping change.
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Episode 1: From Match to Movement
In our debut episode, we dig into the origins of the Equality Fund. Our story spans decades—what were those early movement-building days like? How did leaders tackle fierce resistance and channel those lessons into creating a $1 billion fund? We’re bringing you insights from those who lived it, and who helped turn vision into reality.
- Recommended reading
High hopes and high expectations for resourcing feminist movements: recommendations to the Equality Fund - Shared Hopes: Equality Fund’s Response to the High Hopes, High Expectations Consultation Recommendations
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Episode 2: The Winning Bid
In our second episode, we explore the Equality Fund’s groundbreaking investment model, merging investment with activism to fuel feminist movements. Jess Tomlin and guests Manisha Mehta, Rajasvini Bhansali, Keely Tongate, and Mebrat Beyene discuss the challenges of scaling resources and the risks of funder strings. From the bid process to the final decision at Women Deliver 2019, we examine how shifting capital and power can drive lasting change for rights-based movements.
- Recommended reading
Gender Lens Investing is the Future of Sustainable Finance. So How Can You Lead the Change? - How your investments can build a better world
- Let’s Talk About Feminists and Investing
- Focused on the North Star: Our Investment Theory of Change
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Episode 3: From Policy to Promise
In the final installment, we spotlight the pivotal role Canadian ministers played in launching the Equality Fund. Discover how key leaders united government, philanthropy, and the private sector to reshape global development funding and advance women’s rights worldwide. Episode 3 takes you inside as we reveal how these champions made the bold case for the Equality Fund’s innovative model and its critical impact.
- Recommended reading
Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy is key to addressing our biggest global challenges - Now is the time for Canada’s feminist foreign policy
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Learn more about the voices of Moonshot. Read our host and guest biographies here.
With special thanks to
Artwork – Kamo Frank (https://www.kamofrank.com/) – @kamofrank_ (https://www.instagram.com/kamofrank_/)
Producer – Katie Jensen, vocalfrystudios.com (https://www.vocalfrystudios.com/)
Equality Fund Team – Amina Doherty, Tatiana Buba, Sarah Matsushita, Catherine Hodgson, Nicole Fischer, and Joe Voeller