Isabella Epiu, an entrepreneur advancing healthcare in Uganda

March 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Health Solutions International, a social impact organization dedicated to advancing healthcare standards to save lives in East Africa

Isabella Epiu is the founder of Health Solutions International, an organisation founded in 2015 in Uganda and dedicated to Advancing Health Care Standards To Save Lives by sourcing new approaches to emerging global health challenges through research and implementation science. She is an Anaesthesiologist with a PhD from the University of New South Wales - UNSW School of Medicine in Sydney, Australia, which is among the top 50 medical schools in the world. Isabella’s recent research focused on neural-respiratory physiology, to design targeted cost-effective management plans and improve the quality of life in people with pulmonary diseases. Previously she performed multi-national research across the East African Community aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes through safe anaesthesia. Isabella is passionate about quality improvement in healthcare, and particularly safety in medicine with experience in research, leadership and management, global health, economic modelling, policy analysis. She currently has 20+ publications with up to 220+ citations already.

Preparation is Key for Business Success

March 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Refilwe Sebothoma

One of my biggest fears in life is to walk into a room full of opportunities and decision-makers and I AM NOT PREPARED. If you get “LUCKY” to be in the right place, at the right time, and with the right people but you are not prepared, you will lose what could be a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.

The Rise of FemTech: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Revolutionizing Healthcare Technology

March 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Shatho Babitse

In recent years, a groundbreaking movement has emerged within the intersection of technology and healthcare, led by a dynamic force of women entrepreneurs. This phenomenon, known as FemTech, is transforming the landscape of women's health and wellness, addressing long-standing gaps and challenges with innovative solutions tailored specifically for women.

Know Your ABCs of Influence

March 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho, PhD

Influence is a skill set, not just reserved for the big shots. What to focus on is being memorable for the value you add to the conversation. Welcome to the ABCs of Influence, with the specific details that make a difference in the art of influence.

Jennifer Shigoli, a Tanzanian educator and impact-maker

March 24, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Arizona Vocational Training Centre & Elea Products, a business transforming lives through training and skills development in Tanzania

Jennifer Shigoli is a Lawyer by profession and also the ceo and founder of Arizona Vocational Training College and Elea Reusable Pads in Tanzania, a business she launched in 2012 and which today employs 23 people. Jennifer is a visionary educator and entrepreneur who is passionate about transformation and economic empowerment. Jennifer started her entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago and through her work she has touched thousands of lives. She believes to bring about change she has to be the change she wants to see; she has to be the solution.

What have you got to lose?

March 22, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

The UK’s BII recently released their Emerging Economies Climate Report 2023, and the results from the 2023 survey of senior executives working across their large and impressive portfolio of companies and funds, were not good, although did confirm what we are seeing across and hearing from our membership at the coal face (a decent metaphor, we think) of climate change.

Lindsey Swart, a South African makeup artist creating interactive workshops for women

March 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lindsey Swart, founder, Pretty You Workshops (South Africa)

Startup Story

Lindsey Swart is the founder of Pretty You Workshops in South Africa, a business creating interactive makeup learning experiences for women. She has been in the makeup industry for over 20 years and has headed up some of South Africa’s finest productions. She has a great passion in making women look and feel amazing. At her interactive workshops, she shares all her knowledge in a fun and beautiful environment.

Dércia Marta Massilele, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating an innovative and affordable solution to waste management

March 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dércia Marta Massilele, co-founder & manager, COSEL-Colecta Selectiva (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Dércia Marta Massilele is the co-founder and manager of COSEL-Colecta Selectiva, a waste management startup launched in 2019 and based in Maputo, creating jobs for five people. It’s main activity focuses on providing collection and treatment services for recyclable and common waste. Using motorless tricycles and promoting environmental awareness, Dércia and her team offer an innovative and affordable solution for micro-enterprises and private establishments.

Women Who Lead - The Future of Entrepreneurship by Jennifer Lara, et al.

March 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In Women Who Lead - The Future of Entrepreneurship, written by Jennifer Lara, together with founders, Hanna Olivas and Angela Bell, as well as 27 other amazing authors, you can discover the inspiring and transformative world of female entrepreneurship. This empowering book is a powerhouse of wisdom and motivation for women who are ready to invest in their personal and professional growth.

Lioness Launch / 1964 unveils "Nostalgia" Collection: A Tribute to Simplicity, Comfort, and Cultural Heritage

March 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

1964, the renowned women's clothing brand founded by Olakunmi Oni, who is also its Creative Director, is dedicated to promoting wellness through fashion, and is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest collection, "Nostalgia." This collection marks the brand's official return to the market, blending timeless designs with modern flair and celebrating the beauty found in simplicity.

Six Steps to Close the Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want to Be

March 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider what unmet goals are gnawing at the back of your mind that are taking up precious headspace. Rather than beat yourself up for not taking action, ask yourself, 'When would now be a good time?'. Now right? Here are six tools you can incorporate into your productivity toolkit to ensure you end the year on a high no matter where you start:

Confusion, Frustration and Breakthrough go hand-in-hand

March 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Safiyyah Boolay-Jappie

Therefore Frustration = Breakthrough = Excitement!

My coaching business has been a dance of confusion, frustration, and breakthrough. Before I had recognised the pattern, I would throw in the towel and dismiss myself as being out of my depth, not having what it takes, and wholly incapable of closing the gap between where I was and where I needed to be.

What you think about, you bring about

March 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

My mother was English and throughout my life my conversations with her have always been peppered with sayings and idioms. My favourite saying is one by Albert Einstein which says "Your imagination is the preview to coming attractions” and this is so true in your life. This quote emphasises the profound significance of imagination in our lives. Imagination is more than just idle daydreaming; it is the catalyst for innovation and progress. It allows us to envision possibilities that do not yet exist and serves as a plan for creating the future.

The 24 hour rule

March 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Refilwe Sebothoma

Many times I have been criticised for not taking the time to celebrate big moments and winnings in my life. And here is why: Although research has shown that celebrating milestones increase our intrinsic motivation to keep pursuing our goals, I have seen how celebrating too early and too long can be detrimental and seductive. This can easily give us a sense of “we have arrived” and in turn make us too familiar, complacent, and arrogant.

Leslie Jaroschek, a travel agency founder creating authentic tourism experiences in Botswana

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Leslie Jaroschek, founder and ceo, Authentic Botswana Tours (Botswana)

Startup Story

Leslie Jaroschek is the founder and ceo of Authentic Botswana Tours, a travel agency that attracts tourists from all over the world and offers Wildlife safari, Photography Safari, and Tented Safari experiences. Having obtained an MBA in International Tourism Management from Cyprus University, Leslie started her business in 2021, just after the COVID era. The company is 100% owned by Motswana women. Authentic Botswana Tours operates from Botswana and employs only Batswana.

Rofiat Komolafe, a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur building a global brand

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Rofiat Komolafe, founder, ROFEEA K (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Rofiat Komolafe is the Nigerian founder of the international fashion brand, ROFEEA K, a business that blends African and Western styles in a sizzling showcase. As the proud owner of a sourcing and apparel production business that has been transforming designers’ dreams into reality since 2013, she has built a client list both at home and abroad. Rofiat is living proof that dedication and determination can make dreams come true. Rofiat’s fashion journey began with a simple blog and personal shopping business when she moved to the USA, which quickly opened the door to her passion for fashion design. With her savvy business skills, she was able to explore different sectors of the fashion industry to build her business. Rofiat is also a big believer in giving back to the community and empowering people by creating jobs and now employs 12 people.

Rukssana Saide, transforming lives through agribusiness in Mozambique

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Dream Agrobusiness Lda, a high-impact business empowering local communities through an agri-value chain.

Rukssana Saide is the founder of Dream Agrobusiness Lda in Mozambique, an impact-driven business established in 2016 and employing 30 people. She balances life as a mother, woman, and entrepreneur. Rukssana has a degree in accounting and auditing and a master’s degree in business management, but with a passion for land and community. Throughout her professional career, Rukssana worked in financial areas, but it was her passion for agriculture where she felt the sense of contributing to transforming lives. Currently Rukssana works with the community and in the community looking for solutions for a prosperous future for future generations.

Heart-Centered Marketing: Proven Strategies That Naturally Attract and Nurture Clients by Deborah Kevin and Jill Celeste

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In their new book, Heart-Centered Marketing, authors Deborah Kevin and Jill Celeste have a solution to all those women entrepreneurs who are tired of using traditional marketing methods that are misaligned with their values or mission. They share valuable insights on how to promote your business authentically and effectively while staying true to your purpose. If you would like to grow your business in a way that generates revenue and creates a positive change in the world, then this is the book for you.

You get what you measure

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General says (here): “Better data is the indispensable scaffolding that supports progress across all the SDGs,” and the UN and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data have checked this and tell us (here) that there is “an average return of $32 for every $1 invested in strengthening data systems in low and middle income countries.”

The Only Way to Make Your Present Better Is to Make Your Future Better

March 17, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Some of us need accountability partners, like hiring a personal trainer to get us to the gym or joining a group so we have other people to motivate us. The problem with this approach is that you always rely on others to keep your promises to yourself. What happens if they don't show up? Will you keep the commitment or be silently grateful you got out of the run or the gym session?

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