Plataforma ELOS is an IFC initiative in partnership with the government of Japan and the Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) that seeks to explore the relationship between women’s economic empowerment and sustainability performance in the Brazilian private sector.
Plataforma ELOS consists of two main components.
- A research component to investigate gaps in employment and leadership in the renewable energy, agriculture and forestry sectors in Brazil, and to build evidence on how women’s participation impacts the sustainability and resilience of private sector companies.
- A Peer Learning Platform (PLP) component that will bring together leading Brazilian companies in the agriculture and forestry sectors to network, share experiences, and take actions to enhance their sustainability, improve efficiencies in their operations, and boost innovation by advancing inclusive business practices. Plataforma ELOS is IFC's first PLP in Brazil.
Brazil’s Potential
Despite being the largest economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Brazil has experienced slow growth and periods of recession over the past decade, with significant poverty persisting, particularly among women, Afro-Brazilians, Indigenous People, and youth. The country's rich natural resources and biodiversity make it vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events, which further challenge economic growth and social development.
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In 2023, natural disasters resulted in $19 billion in losses, heavily impacting agriculture and livestock (EY, 2024). These impacts are expected to exacerbate social inequalities, pushing an estimated three million Brazilians into extreme poverty by 2030 (WB, 2023).
Brazil has set ambitious goals to address climate change, such as ending illegal deforestation by 2028 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Achieving these targets will require a larger workforce, particularly in the energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors, where women are currently underrepresented. Addressing barriers to women's economic opportunities, such as discriminatory norms, limited access to training, and inflexible family policies, can help meet labor demands and benefit companies through improved talent, innovation, and retention.
Furthermore, diversity in leadership positions has been linked to better company performance and environmental standards, but more research is needed to understand this relationship in Brazil's private sector.
