Convergence is Criterion’s flagship annual convening, taking place over four weeks of structured conversation in two time zones. What makes it unique is that there are no speakers. Conversations are designed with input from the participants, who attend ~12 hours a week of curated programming.
This will be the third Convergence focused on gender-based violence. Convergence XVII and XVIII in 2020 - 2021 sparked essential conversations between a diverse group of actors about its social and economic impact and the role of finance in addressing it. Convergence XXII returns to this theme in 2026 with renewed energy and commitment. The convening is designed to surface bold, practical ideas, and connect the expertise of social change organizations with the resources and influence of finance.
We aim to mobilize and empower the movement working to address gender-based violence — inviting them to see new allies, new power, and new possibilities; to invite investors to see what is possible when they use their power to create change; and to invite governments to see the possibilities of their role as policy shapers and investors, creating the enabling conditions for markets and movements to work together.
For investors
Convergence offers investors the opportunity to see GBV not only as a moral imperative, but as a material risk. Whether you are seeking to adapt existing portfolios, develop new financial products, or influence corporate and policy practices, the conversations will help surface actionable strategies.
For social change organizations
Social change leaders will find Convergence a space to discover finance as a strategic ally in their work to reduce GBV and explore ways to influence how capital flows not just how much of it.
For governments
For government leaders, Convergence offers an opportunity to see how their role as regulators, investors, and conveners can create the enabling conditions for finance to contribute to reducing GBV, and to imagine new pathways.
Together, these perspectives widen the circle and spark imagination about what becomes possible when social movements, markets, and governments align.
The impacts of gender-based violence (GBV) continue to be felt in schools, workplaces, homes, and public spaces. GBV alters how people navigate the world and hampers their ability to thrive. It is embedded in the fabric of economies, shaping labor markets, affecting productivity, and increasing systemic costs. Yet, it remains one of the least recognized and addressed material risks in global finance.
While there is a growing body of evidence and a set of tools to support action, the movement has advanced beyond initial awareness-raising toward mobilizing those ready to act and maintaining momentum over the coming years. There is a call to shift from exploration and invitation to active organization and sustained action.
The urgency to galvanize the community, share stories of progress, and invite more people to harness their power for change is more pressing than ever, to ensure the movement maintains momentum and does not miss the opportunity for systemic change.
Convergence XXII serves as a gathering for the “long-distance runners” of the effort to reduce gender-based violence, as well as for those involved in gender lens investing or innovative finance. By bringing together this experienced community, Convergence fosters a space for in-depth, strategic discussions about what is working, what challenges persist, and how to amplify the impact of collective efforts.
Criterion Institute’s work starts with the premise that finance is a system of power. If that power can overlook GBV, it can also be used to address it. Since 2017, we have committed a significant share of our work to transforming how the systems of finance can be used to reduce gender-based violence. Our campaign to secure a trillion dollars in intent from asset owners provided a tangible demonstration of the will to act among asset owners. We designed a portfolio of insights (a compilation of dozens of possible interventions and reframes) to create imagination around the possibilities for using finance to address gender-based violence. We have developed roadmaps for diverse audiences including private investors, development finance institutions and faith-based investors, and created practical tools such as due diligence guides. Our work is rooted in field building, bringing together investors, GBV experts, social change organizations, governments.
Criterion Institute’s Founder, Joy Anderson reflected on Criterion’s work on financing the reduction of GBV. Listen now >>
We will bring together investors, social change leaders, policymakers, and innovators to co-create actionable strategies for addressing gender-based violence. Convergence 2026 will take participants on a journey from big-picture framing to hands-on design. We’ll start by unpacking the social and financial dimensions of GBV, then move into strategy design, and prototype development.
Convergence XXII is part of Criterion’s broader strategy on financing the reduction of GBV, and it is one of the steps in a larger journey. As with all our work, Convergence is not an end point but a doorway — an invitation to build connections, surface insights, and spark imagination. Beyond the convening, more invitations will be extended for participants to stay engaged: to amplify the stories and successes of those already taking action, to join teaching efforts that equip investors and practitioners with advanced skills beyond 101s, and to co-create, and test innovative financial solutions.
Ticket Price: $250
The ticket fee covers a portion of the costs associated with organizing the convening. However, we do not want the ticket price to limit participation. If you are unable to purchase a ticket, the registration link has details on how you can request a complimentary ticket.
Convenings are shaped by those who join the conversation, and you can help expand the perspectives represented by inviting inspiring leaders to share their insights. Consider purchasing a ticket for someone whose voice should be heard or support a cohort to ensure that a wider range of experiences and expertise shape the conversations.
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