Women are the main drivers of the global food production (UNDP) and about a third of all global established businesses are women owned and managed (GEM). At the same time, women spend around three times more time on unpaid care work than men (ILO) – a work that is estimated to account for more than 40 per cent of GDP in some countries (ILO). Women face many other challenges that prevent them from contributing to the economy or reduce their contribution, such as accessing decent job, capacity building and finance – to name just a few.
In spite of these difficulties, women entrepreneurs create and seize opportunities to ensure food security and economic growth, reduce food waste, adapt to climate change, and implement fair, sustainable and innovative business solutions in the agrifood sectors. “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” – this years’ International Women’s Day theme – highlights the financial investments needed to achieve gender equality (USD 360 billion per year) and how such support would boost GDP (20 % per capita) and lead to the creation of about 300 million jobs by 2035.
COLEAD and the Pan-African Farmers’ Organization (PAFO) celebrate African women agrifood entrepreneurs and their support to sustainable food systems. The PAFO-COLEAD Innovations Series highlights how diverse, equitable and inclusive women entrepreneurs are across African countries, value chains and markets. During the 17 sessions held, 39 inspiring women business leaders have shared their experiences and best practices, and presented some of their drivers of innovation to a global audience comprised of 1,300 women.
Let’s celebrate their achievements and learn from them!
If you wish to present your business activities in an upcoming session – or if you know inspiring entrepreneurs – do not hesitate to send us an email with some information at entrepreneursacp@colead.link .
And join the next session on Wednesday 24 April 2024 – 12:00-14:00 UTC that will focus on Innovations in packaging: opportunities for African entrepreneurs and SMEs where innovative women will be featured as well!
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