According to the UNDP, women in developing countries are the first to feel the effects of climate change.
That’s why women are key for effective and inclusive climate action.
Through her composting business, Griincom, Mildred connects with farmers in her community to transform organic waste like corn stalks into agricultural inputs like fertilizer.
This helps farmers increase soil regeneration and plant health, which in turn increases crop yields and supports nutrition and food security in her community.
Mildred also employs local women and community members who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But as a woman entrepreneur, Mildred faced many challenges.
Women in business are often underestimated and lack social support and access to mentors and role models.
"Through mentorship and capacity-building from AWCE [a Canada-supported program], we can understand how to run a business as women, and the gender-specific challenges. We’ve also been able to understand the climate focus of our business and value proposition." - Mildred
Theodore, who works at Ongoza – the Kenyan organization that helped Mildred identify her business challenges – highlighted the importance of empowering women to help combat climate change.
“We noticed this year that the climate has been unstable and affecting farmers badly. If we can empower one entrepreneur like Griincom, then we are able to address these real programs and continue empowering more women.” - Theodore
The Accelerating Women Climate Entrepreneurs (AWCE) initiative aimed to reduce poverty by supporting women entrepreneurs in climate-related businesses. This program was implemented through a partnership with the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs, the World University Service of Canada, and Aga Khan Foundation.