As mulheres empreendedoras de Moçambique pretendem criar mais empregos em 2024

April 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

História de destaque - Lioness Lean In Mozambique, 3 de abril de 2024

O primeiro evento da série anual dos populares Lioness Lean In Webinars de Moçambique para 2024 teve lugar na quarta-feira, 3 de abril. Organizado pela Lionesses of Africa em parceria, mais uma vez, com o Standard Bank, o tema do crescimento e da criação de postos de trabalho esteve bem presente nas mentes das mulheres empreendedoras. Com 140 participantes para iniciar a conversa, incluindo um painel de oradoras composto por 7 empreendedoras altamente experientes da comunidade Lionesses of Africa em Moçambique, o foco foi a partilha de experiências e aprendizagens. Crescênia Matsinhe, Diretora do Setor de Consumo, Indústria e Infraestruturas e Banca Comercial do Standard Bank Mozambique, partilhou a forma como o banco está a apoiar as mulheres empreendedoras e o seu crescimento este ano.

Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs aim to create more jobs in 2024

April 5, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Event Report - Lioness Lean In Mozambique 3 April 2024

The first in the annual series of popular Mozambique Lioness Lean In Webinars for 2024 took place on Wednesday 3 April. Hosted by Lionesses of Africa in partnership once again with Standard Bank, the theme of growth and job creation was firmly at the forefront of women entrepreneurs’ minds. With 140 attendees to kickstart the conversation, including a speaker panel of 7 highly experienced women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community in Mozambique, the focus was on sharing experiences and learnings. Specialist insights and advice also came from Crescênia Matsinhe, Head of Consumer, Industrial and Infrastructure Sector, Commercial Banking, Standard Bank Mozambique, who shared how the bank is supporting women entrepreneurs and their growth this year.

An Entrepreneurial Leap: My Faith, My Lessons, My Success by Rachel Bickham

March 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you have you ever stood at the precipice of a decision, wondering if leaping into entrepreneurship is worth the risk, the the new book ‘An Entrepreneurial Leap: My Faith, My Lessons, My Success’ by Rachel Bickham is a must-read. This book is not just a narrative; it’s a tool kit for anyone who dares to dream and is brave enough to pursue those dreams despite the hurdles.

Alinafe Fridah Mapwesera, a leading bridalwear and bespoke fashion designer in Malawi

March 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Alinafe Fridah Mapwesera, founder, Nanas (Malawi)

Startup Story

Alinafe Fridah Mapwesera is the founder of Nanas closet in Malawi, a business launched in 2014 and creating beautiful bridal dresses and other bespoke wear for those memorable wedding occasions. Customers have come to know Alinafe for creating beautiful wedding dresses that celebrate African culture and she sells her designs all over the world. She happily mixes elegance with different cultures in her designs, whilst always taking care of the environmental impact of her work which is important to Alinafe. For example, she gave away 100 dresses to kids made from old materials. Her work is about making things well, keeping traditions alive, and helping the planet.

Birgite Armando John, a Mozambican entrepreneur offering business consulting and language services to clients

March 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Startup Story

Birgite Armando John is the founder of Centro de Educação Sustentável, Lda. (CES), a specialist consulting and language business in Mozambique. She is an entrepreneurial woman, accountant, and also multilingual. Birgite began her journey as an entrepreneur teaching English to friends and colleagues while studying abroad. She is the recipient of a 3rd Place prize in the CapacitaMoz Bootcamp Award financed by TotalEnergies.

Birgite Armando John, fundadora do Centro de Educação Sustentável, Lda. (CES) e vencedora do 3o Lugar do Premio CapacitaMoz Bootcamp financiado pela TotalEnergies. Mulher empreendedora, Contabilista e poliglota. Começou o seu percurso como empreendedora ensinando Inglês para amigos e colegas enquanto estudava no estrangeiro.

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.

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