Node /

Our Drivers

As a dedicated UN fund, and in line with our values of Courage, Innovation, Accountability and Respect and Dignity,  our work at SHF is governed by the following principles:

Leave No One Behind

We work to achieve SDG target 6.2. By growing local, sustainable markets and supply chains for sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health, we aim to create an ecosystem where everyone has access to the products and services they need and these are managed safely and sustainably.

Gender Equality

Women and girls are disproportionately impacted by lack of access to sanitation, hygiene and menstrual health. We strive for a gender-equal world where no person who menstruates is left behind because of their period. 

Sustainability

All of our investments and activities are designed to be climate resilient and incorporate nature-based solutions where possible. Our investments also demonstrate financial sustainability, wherein we support the provision of affordable and appropriate options and choice, rather than provide commodities such as free sanitary pads to women and girls.

Economic Empowerment & Investability

Through our work on sanitation economies and menstrual hygiene marketplaces, we aim to incentivize investment in the sector and deliver social and economic benefits. Our pipeline of investable propositions prioritze the creation of employment and empowerment opportunities, especially for the most vulnerable groups, for transformational impact. 

Country Ownership 

We work with countries to activate their national sanitation economies and meet their national targets on sustainable development, public financing and climate.