To mark International Women's Day 2024, we have interviewed a few women entrepreneurs associated with the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN). This interview aims to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women in the workplace and what inspires them.
Please introduce yourself, share insights about your business, and delve into the inspiration behind steering such a venture.
Noela Victoria Ojara, Founder and Managing Director Divine Organic Foods. This is a social enterprise working along the root and tuber value chain with 70% women and young people in Northern Uganda. We are committed under “Amaro” brand to transforming cassava, orange flesh sweet potatoes, incorporating high iron beans, vegetables, soy, ground nuts and pro-vitamin maize to affordable, healthy, and organic nutritious foods for the end users, children, and women.
I am inspired by a drive to be counted as a woman agriprenuer whose legacy remains in the nutrient-dense innovative products consumed by vulnerable communities and my contribution to agro-industrialisation facilitated by sustainable food systems through fair trade, circular economy, and greening models.
How did you become a member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Business Network (SBN)?
Having heard about the SBN and its agenda in different parts of Africa, the launch of the SBN in Uganda in 2023 was a quick defining moment that led me to join this movement.
What are the challenges you face as a female-led SME in your country?
Limited access to enterprise growth resources, information, and appropriate technology. Challenges in managing an effective work–life integration amidst the society and cultural norms that often limit women’s business success. The legal, regulatory and access to finance hurdles with less consideration to promoting women-led SMEs. A few women occupy spaces that provide mentorship and leadership in women-led SMEs.
How has SBN supported in finding solutions to some of these challenges? (training, technical assistance, business support services, etc.)
SBN provides a platform of like-minded people and institutions whose work complements each other for a healthy world, an invaluable contribution facilitating SME to find solutions through partnerships and networking.
What kind of content was given in the training? What stood out most for you/the biggest lesson from that training? How has the training changed the way you do business? (For UGANDA)
The overwhelming malnutrition statistics, a burden faced by Uganda and the urgent call for private sector to engage for collective lasting solutions. The latter has since remained a wake-up call and motivation to increase my in-house product processing and nutritious food supplements product reach.
Seize every opportunity to talk about your work and its impact on the community. Remain consistent in what you are doing and do it to your very best by learning and unlearning till your brand speaks for itself.
Considering the theme for this year’s International Women's Day, inspire inclusion, how is your country's network supporting inclusion?
The recognition that women are important players in the SBN leadership structures at regional and country level is strengthened by the year’s theme. Today’s recognition and celebration of women-led business is a platform that SBN through GAIN is offering inspiration and inclusion.
What is your advice to women-led SMEs striving to gain recognition and inclusion?
Seize every opportunity to talk about your work and its impact on the community. Remain consistent in what you are doing and do it to your very best by learning and unlearning till your brand speaks for itself.
