Meet the 3 young African female entrepreneurs at the forefront of the pandemic
The novel COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread throughout the world, causing a plummet in global economies. The economic turmoil has left many marginalised communities even more powerless and devastated than ever before. Yet, in the middle of these dark hours, there may be a ray of light. A report by Wunderman Thompson Commerce examines how previous pandemics have redirected institutions, cultures, and value systems across history, which brought about innovations driven by necessity.
At Anzisha Prize we have spent the last decade identifying and supporting Africa’s youngest entrepreneurs (aged 15–22) and witnessed innovations crafted by these brilliant young minds. Allow me to introduce you to three of our very own female entrepreneurs who are responding to the pandemic in their communities.
FADWA (24)
Moroccan Anzisha Fellow Fadwa Moussaif, began her entrepreneurship journey as the co-founder of a modest high school social enterprise project that now impacts hundreds of local female artisans. She co-founded IDYR — a sustainable fashion business using recycled fabrics to help local female artisans by selling accessories. In response to COVID-19, the venture launched a campaign to aid artisans and families in destitute.
Together with her co-founder, they launched a pre-sale campaign to collect donations for 100 families and artisans who are now left unemployed from the pandemic. They dedicate 100% of the profits to these groups, donating 40% to artisans and 60% to Assalam — an organisation which supports orphans and widows.
Find out more about how IDYR is impacting their community here
ALINA (23)
Alina Karimamusama has always been impelled to tackle gender inequality and economic marginalisation faced by Zambian women. This passion established Women Economic Empowerment (WEEP) — an organisation empowering women with skills for sustainable development and entrepreneurial leadership.
To relief underprivileged women and young girls in her community, WEEP has partnered with @organicup @empowerwithsisters to donate menstrual cups during the pandemic. They have donated 300 menstrual cups to date and continue to support these communities through the provision of other necessities including dried foods, face masks, sanitary pads, water filters, hand sanitizers, hygiene soaps, etc.
Click here to follow how WEEP is transforming the lives of disadvantaged women.
JOAN (22)
No obstacle can discourage Joan Nalubega from pursuing her vision of a malaria-free Uganda. After continuously suffering from malaria as a child, she vowed to transform her most painful childhood experience into hope for others. Joan co-founded Uganics which aims to end the scourge of malaria by producing mosquito repellent soaps.
Joan has collaborated with five other social enterprises in response to the pandemic, to produce packages containing essential goods to equip marginalised families in Mpigi District, Uganda. Each package is sufficient to support families for two weeks.
These packages include products such as maize, flour, vegetables, reusable sanitary towels, soap, biodegradable washers, etc. Majority of the food is brought from local farmers to ensure that they earn an income during these tumultuous times. Other essentials provided in the package (soaps, washers and sanitary towels) are products manufactured by the various social start-ups. To date, Uganics has donated over 15 500 bars of soap and plans on distributing more.
Keep up with all the incredible work these start-ups are doing here.
It’s phenomenal to see that even amidst a period of social distancing, unity still exists and that there are young people at the forefront of this pandemic fighting for global solidarity and meeting societal needs.
As we weather this unprecedented pandemic, Anzisha Prize has compiled a directory for our community to identify opportunities to support businesses run by Anzisha Fellows. Support a very young entrepreneur here
Photo credit: Mfundo Mbanze
