Founded by women - powered by women!
The potential of gender equality for the economy
IPD supports many small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and emerging countries that were founded by women and are successfully managed by them.
The female entrepreneurs in the IPD programme are responsible for economic growth in their region. They use their position to give women and other marginalised groups access to formal employment and promote women in their companies. They protect natural resources, advocate sustainability strategies and innovation in their companies. And they value a good corporate culture and promote teamwork.
IPD connects women-led businesses with European buyers so that they can increase their sales and boost their export revenue in the long term. This enables the female entrepreneurs to create new jobs, generate investment capital for the expansion of their businesses, and support social and environmental projects in their local communities.
Read stories here from IPD female entrepreneurs who exemplify women's potential for growth and economic power.
Economic growth
When people in the region benefit from a company's growth and innovation
´Mrembo Naturals` from Tanzania produces high-quality cold-pressed oils, essential oils and plant butters for the cosmetics industry. The natural ingredients are sourced directly from smallholder farmers. The company works with more than 300 women farmers, offering them fair prices, training in organic farming and stable market access. This approach creates sustainable income opportunities for the women farmers while ensuring a constant supply of high-quality raw materials for Mrembo Naturals.
What began as a small idea has developed into a women-led company that connects small farmers, especially women, with real markets, creates over 1,500 indirect jobs and transforms livelihoods. Thanks to the economic success of ‘Mrembo Naturals’, farmers earn more, post-harvest losses are reduced and families gain security.
´Mrembo Naturals` regularly reviews and optimises its processes. For example, the company processes the mint residues from the production of essential oils into soap and other products.
»My goal is to prove that women-led businesses can grow profitably, strengthen communities, protect the planet, and transform Africa's economy from the ground up.«
Irene Simon
Founder and CEO of´Mrembo Naturals`
Sustainability
Two sides of the same coin: sustainable management and economic growth
‘Sifora’ is a company in Boyacá, Colombia, that produces physalis and passion fruit. Where once the soil was depleted from an old eucalyptus plantation, there is now a diverse ecological system. Degraded soils have been revitalised through regenerative practices, fertility restored, water retention improved and ecological balance strengthened.
Today, Sifora's team consists of 38 employees and around 25 indirect employees. There is a fully certified organic value chain that includes in-house production, the development of local farmers, the packaging of fresh produce, the processing of non-exportable fruit into snacks, and direct distribution in Europe. This model ensures a nearly waste-free value chain.
The growth of the company and the associated economic stability has enabled families in the region to provide their children with higher education, improve their living conditions, and plan for the long term. Women, who were previously mainly employed in agricultural work, now lead teams at ‘Sifora’. They have decision-making power at the operational, managerial, and strategic levels.
»We strengthen the skills of our female employees so women can make the transition from supporting roles to becoming rural entrepreneurs. When women gain a voice and financial independence, family dynamics change – self-confidence grows and communities become more resilient. We are convinced that sustainability and gender equality are not cost factors – they are competitive advantages.«
Angelica Niño Perez,
Head of Strategy and Sustainability at ´Sifora`
Corporate and team culture
The importance of the team as a building block of economic success
»When you grow up surrounded by flowers, you learn that beauty is no coincidence. It requires method, discipline and a genuine love of detail. The Ambato region in Ecuador is known for its flowers and fruits, and it has shaped us with its unique blend of fertile soil, hard work and pride in a job well done.«
Silvia Reyes
President of ´Lucy Roses´ (left in the picture)
‘Lucy Roses’ is a producer of roses and garden roses in Ecuador. It was founded in 2010, but there is a long family tradition of flower cultivation. Today, the company is run entirely by women. Melissa Reyes is the managing director and Silvia Reyes is the president.
‘Lucy Roses’ cultivates its cut flowers on four hectares. The company is an expert in garden roses, which not only look different but also need to be treated differently. And this is where the employees come in: 70 per cent of the team consists of women, most of whom come from families in the region.
Melissa Reyes, CEO of “Lucy Roses” (right in the picture):
»These are hands that have been working with flowers for years, that understand the rhythm of the season and know how important it is to deliver quality without excuses. This continuity from generation to generation is not just a slogan for us. It's everyday life on the farm.«
This enabled the company to weather difficult times, such as when protests in Ecuador made it impossible to ship flowers.
»It was tough, but it taught us something important. When the situation becomes uncertain, it's the structure and the team that keep you going.«
Empowering women
Professional training as the basis for emancipation, autonomy and self-confidence
»We support the women in gaining financial independence and protecting themselves from being trafficked again. At the same time, we give them the opportunity to realise themselves.«
Jeny Pokharel, Founder of „Sasane Sisterhood Trekking & Travels“
Since 2019, IPD has been working with the tourism company ‘Sasane Sisterhood Trekking & Travels’ from Nepal.
‘Sasane Sisterhood` trains disadvantaged women, especially women who have been victims of violence and human trafficking, to become tourist guides and in the hospitality industry. In the training courses, women acquire the skills of a trekking guide and learn to reconcile the needs of the local population with the requirements of travellers. The training contributes to the social, economic and cultural emancipation of women.
The ‘Sasane Sisterhood` programme includes tours through Kathmandu, the surrounding area with views of the Himalayas and the Annapurna Mountains.
‘Sasane Sisterhood` also works closely with rural communities to expand tourism offering. The aim is to establish sustainable businesses and develop sources of income.
At ITB 2023, the company was honoured for its work with this year's ‘To Do Award Human Rights in Tourism` from the Institute for Tourism and Development (Studienkreis für Tourismus und Entwicklung e.V.).
Employee development
Mercy Mugure is a successful female founder in Kenya: in 2006, she founded ‘Adept Technologies’ an IT and digital services provider in Nairobi. It is supported by the new IPD Digital Services and Products team in matchmaking.
Many of the team members at ‘Adept Technologies’ join the company straight after graduating. The young team is supported through coaching, regular check-ins and feedback. Seeing how people develop is also a special experience for Mercy Mugure.
»I believe in continuous learning, staying curious and recognising that every person has potential. An important part of my job is to help people discover and develop that potential. I have the privilege of witnessing people earn their first stable income, move out, start a business, buy their first car, start a family, grow in their careers and ultimately seize new opportunities.«
Mercy Mugure
Founder and CEO of ´Adept Technologies´
IPD Programme
Women in Global Trade
IPD promotes the empowerment of women entrepreneurs by addressing their specific needs and helping them to combat prejudice and discrimination. Through the newly established Women in Global Trade network, IPD brings together women in the export and import business.
Read more here.