As Oikocredit publishes its SEPM report, we interviewed our social performance and capacity building deputy director, Kawien Ziedses des Plantes, about our approach to social and environmental performance management. Kawien explains the thinking behind our work in this area and how it is evolving.

Through Oikocredit’s inclusive finance partners, 40 million clients were reached in 2016. Of those microfinance clients, 84% were women. Inclusive finance represented 78% of Oikocredit’s portfolio with the remainder invested in organizations focused on agriculture including 85 fair trade organizations, and renewable energy.

Our social and environmental performance report 'Strengthening people and planet' was released on 27 June. The report includes an analysis of our social and environmental performance, results of our newly structured capactiy building programmes and features on our partners across the globe.

Our data for the first quarter of 2017 includes capital outstanding, the total number of partners and countries where we invest, as well as an overview of our funding by type, region and sector. For the first time we present households with access to clean energy and CO2 avoided/reduced (in tonnes) as part of our SEPM figures.

Oikocredit partner DOTEPL produces high-quality organic tea. It has purchased and renovated abandoned tea-estates in West Bengal, India. Its workers benefit from a living wage and a range of benefits including housing and medical support.