Celebrating the impact of Women inclusion in nutrition activities – IWD 2024

In honor of International Women’s Day 2024, SBN embarked on a journey to spotlight the remarkable achievements of women entrepreneurs around the globe. Through insightful interviews, SBN had the privilege of engaging with a select group of trailblazing women, each making significant strides in their respective countries.

From Uganda, we had the pleasure of speaking with Noela Ojala, while Maliha Ahmed shared her story from Pakistan. Alima Napido represented Mozambique, and Tasmia Habiba provided her perspective from Bangladesh.

These extraordinary women graciously offered invaluable insights into their experiences navigating the challenges within the agrifood industry in their nations. Moreover, their narratives beautifully aligned with this year’s theme, emphasizing the critical importance of fostering inclusion for women entrepreneurs.

Through these illuminating conversations, SBN reaffirmed its commitment to championing diversity and empowerment, amplifying the voices of women across borders and industries.

“I am inspired by a drive to be counted as a woman agriprenuer whose legacy remains in the nutrient-dense innovative products consumed by vulnerable communities and my contribution to agro-industrialisation facilitated by sustainable food systems through fair trade, circular economy, and greening models. BN provides a platform of like-minded people and institutions whose work complements each other for a healthy world, an invaluable contribution facilitating SME to find solutions through partnerships and networking.” – Noela Victoria Ojala, Founder and Managing Director, Divine Organic Foods, Uganda. Read more on the conversation with Noela HERE

“As a female entrepreneur running my own business, I have found invaluable support from the SUN Business Network (SBN) in addressing the challenges I face. Through their initiatives, such as identifying gaps in the SME sector and providing capacity-building training, SBN has equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the business landscape effectively. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles and grow my business.” – Maliha Ahmed, SARR’s Kitchen, Pakistan. Read more on the conversation with Maliha HERE

“As a female-led SME in Bangladesh, we face several unique challenges that stem from societal norms and systemic barriers. These challenges include limited access to finance and investment opportunities due to gender biases in the financial sector, as well as cultural expectations that may hinder women’s participation in business leadership roles. Thanks to SBN, I’ve received valuable training and business support tailored to the needs of female entrepreneurs like me.” – Tasmia Habiba, Co-founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Krishi Shwapno, Bangladesh. Read more on the conversation with Tasmia HERE

“SBN’s trainings are very impactful, and I’ve taken part in all of them. It’s hard for me to single one out because they are all interconnected and, in my view, they complement each other and have helped me to have a much broader vision of my business. At various SBN events, I’ve noticed a lot of women participation, which is very positive. At these events, it’s possible to see an exchange of experience and interaction between women and other entrepreneurs.” – Alima Napido, Founder NADIH Mozambique. Read more on the conversation with Alima HERE