About
Refolda’s goal is to help clients achieve greater equity, social inclusion, and impact by applying an intersectional gender lens to policies, programs, and services. We work to transform internal processes to better serve communities and increase the return on investment of programs and services. Through tools like gender assessments, we help leaders make more informed decisions relating to their strategies, program design, and communication.
Refolda works and collaborates with government agencies, multilateral organizations, NGOs, and non-profits, to advance gender equity and the economic security, safety, health, and well-being of women and girls.
Our clients come to us with different objectives and experiences in promoting gender equity, and we embrace every opportunity to support their efforts.
Since our launch in 2019, Refolda has helped the National Association of Women Business Owners - California implement the Pathways to Corporate Boards Program, established Inspiring Girls International in the United States, managed the Global First Ladies Alliance’s programs for First Ladies and Senior Advisors, and led the implementation of Los Angeles County’s CEDAW Ordinance.
To do this, we strive to:
Learn through shared experiences.
Listen and lift every team member.
Create “Aha moments.”
Use practical examples.
Secure executive sponsors and leadership buy-in.
Broaden perceptions.
Build on and improve existing processes.
Invest in people and give them the knowledge and skills to carry out the work successfully.
Founder
Caroline Torén, Founder and CEO of Refolda, brings over a decade of experience developing and implementing gender-responsive policies and programs as a consultant and in previous roles at the City of Los Angeles, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Swedish Ministry of Defence.
Caroline started her career overseeing the EU’s Civilian and Military Crisis Management Missions and advocating for the implementation of the Women, Peace & Security Agenda in the EU’s External Relations and the United Nations’ Peacebuilding Missions. After leading policy development processes at the European Correspondent’s Office and the UN Policy Department in Stockholm, Caroline led the work of the Los Angeles City Commission on the Status of Women, where she worked in the areas of workforce development, public transportation, homelessness, domestic violence, and human trafficking, in partnership with the Mayor's Office, L.A. City Council, City Departments, and service providers.
Caroline founded Refolda in 2019 to help organizations improve systems and processes for the inclusion of women, men, and underrepresented groups and advance gender equity and equality. She holds a BA in Political Science and Crisis Management from Uppsala University, Sweden, and an MA in Conflict, Security, and Development from King’s College, United Kingdom. Caroline is a published author in Apolitical as an expert on gender equity and gender mainstreaming.
Articles By Refolda
Apolitical, Jan 7, 2020
“Why gender equality should be at the top of your pandemic recovery list”
Apolitical, Jun 5, 2020
“Looking for change in gender equality? Look locally”
Apolitical, Feb 29, 2024