International Women’s Day 2024: Spotlighting women leading social enterprises in Wales
On International Women’s Day 2024 we’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable women driving change in the social enterprise and co-operative sector in Wales.
Join us as we delve into the stories of inspiring women who, through their leadership and dedication, are not only transforming their own lives but also contributing significantly to the empowerment and economic autonomy of women in Wales and across the globe.
Dr Anne Collis – Co-Founder of NeuDICE
Dr Anne Collis is a Welsh serial social entrepreneur with a doctorate in organisational management. She is autistic and has decades of experience of working to create business environments where employees and entrepreneurs can flourish, including being co-founder of Barod CIC a ground breaking cooperative run and staffed by people with and without learning disabilities.
Her focus is coaching and inspiring a new generation of neurodivergent women entrepreneurs.
When not working on her business interests, she volunteers at her chapel.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business?
The advice I would give my younger self and other women is to be confident in who you are and be confident talking money. I spent too long trying to look like my stereotype of a ‘woman in business’ rather than owning who I am (a neurodivergent gender non-conforming woman). My social impact increased once I stopped trying to conform and found my own path. I couldn’t have found the courage to be me in public without other women as mentors, role models and cheer leaders.
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Having money increases your options and your control over your own life. Financial dependency on others leaves you vulnerable wherever you live in the world and whatever your culture.
Economic empowerment is a global issue. I love being able to support women in Northern Uganda to develop their own social enterprises. I have received so much free business support and guidance over the years; this is a chance for me to support women who don’t have access to such privileges.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
Women need to be visible and active in all public spaces. When I say ‘women’, I mean the entire diversity of women, not just the White, cis-het, educated and articulate ones. As a woman, I had to fight to have my voice heard and get a seat at the table. My role now is to make sure the glorious diversity of women are visible and active. There is no place for women who pull up the ladder behind them.
Liz Downie, CEO of Thrive Women’s Aid and Thrive Group
Liz Downie is the CEO of domestic abuse charity Thrive Women’s Aid, and sister organisation Thrive Group – a social enterprise that provides cleaning and catering services and Playhem, a play centre in Port Talbot. All profits from Thrive Group go directly to Thrive Women’s Aid.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business?
Women often face discrimination and prejudice within the industry so it’s important to learn and connect with other women in the community and build that support network of strong women to help break down these barriers.
For those women looking to setup a social business, we need to remember that each founder has their own story, their own passion and their own path. Be inspired by other women around you, support each other and be determined to break through any barrier that is in your way.
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Economic empowerment is vital for women to increase their access to economic opportunities and resources such as employment, skills and assets.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
With women having active roles in the social enterprise space, it provides a positive role model for young women and also paves the way for a future of gender equality within the sector.
Meleri Davies, CEO of Partneriaeth Ogwen
Meleri Davies is Chief Executive of Partneriaeth Ogwen and volunteer Director of Ynni Ogwen and Community Energy Wales. In her daily work, she leads a team of staff to develop regeneration projects creating social, environmental, economic and cultural benefit to the area.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business?
I’d encourage any woman to go for it. I used to work in the public sector and just felt lost in a sea of policy and bureaucracy. When I started at Partneriaeth Ogwen, my role meant that I did everything from the business planning to legionella testing! I worked alone two days a week and over the last 10 years, we’ve managed to grow the organisation to employ 23 local people. We’ve also set up 2 new social enterprises and supported loads of local businesses and organisations. More importantly, our projects have supported so many people in our community. The job just keeps giving and I feel so lucky to be working with extraordinary people in such a special sector.
How important is economic empowerment for women?
It’s really important. Our core staff are all mothers who I’ve seen balancing work with kids over the years. I’m a mother of three and I know how hard it can be when you’re so passionate about your work but you also want to be the best parent you can be. Developing and implementing flexible working policies has been important to me from the outset and I’ve seen the positive impact of that on the team here. You can be a mother and be strong and ambitious at work and I hope that I’m setting a good example for my daughters and teenage son.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
Women have always been at the heart of community development. Historically, this may have been seen in roles such as fund raising, event organising or minute taking, but what we’re seeing now is more women coming to the forefront of the community and social enterprise sector. Not just working in the background, but raising their voices and being more confident in their ability to lead and deliver community projects. It’s so important for us to lead as well as support in this sector.
Shilpa Vyas – Founder of Young And Mindful CIC
There are two things I am hugely enthusiastic about– teaching and meditation/mindfulness, and when the two became one Young And Mindful CIC was created. Teaching found me rather than the other way round. I have taught in schools abroad and in the UK, and in 2009 I left the education system, and set up a tutoring business to carry on teaching. In 2003, my lifestyle needed to change drastically, and I turned to spirituality for answers. I have learned all I can about mindfulness for the last 20+ years and as result overcame personal challenging past experiences, changing the way I live completely. The purpose of education is to help young people mature, be free of fear, and to be integrated individuals capable of dealing with life. I’m Shilpa Vyas, the founder of Young And Mindful CIC and this is why I set it up.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social enterprise?
You are here, life is to lived, and if there’s a vision that you have which involves setting up a social enterprise then don’t waste your time and energy merely thinking about it. It doesn’t matter that there are others already offering what you have to offer, it doesn’t matter if you think it will be a success or not and it certainly doesn’t matter if others think you aren’t ready. You can give it a go, try your best, and see what happens… that’s living your life the only way you can.
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Let’s face it without being able to earn your own livelihood there is no security, independence, freedom or decision-making power within one’s own life. Having your own bank account, your own credit card, being able to spend your own money, as simple as it may be, gives women a sense of security and safety that they can enjoy too. Women can have the ‘best of both worlds’ – career and family. At home most women are already naturally skilled at budgeting, understanding how financial growth and sustainability is important for a family to thrive and they know the importance of saving or investing. These skills are easily transferable into business. In the workplace women can bring a ‘soft-skill’ approach to business, which is why they are inclusive, communicative, caring and flexible. Customer relationships are better understood with this approach and more important than ever nowadays.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
Women inspire one another. My sister was head hunted by Microsoft. My sister-in-law has her own business. My partner’s daughter set up her own business in her 20’s. Many of my friends are working in corporate spaces abroad. Seeing others around us taking the steps to pursue their goals regardless of the barriers they may or may not face is important to women all over the world. It’s what we see around us that encourages us to take action. If one women can do it, then so can another.
Omonigho Idegun – Founder, Wrexham Africa Community CIC
Omonigho Idegun was born in Nigeria and moved to London in 2006, later moving to Wales in 2011. Omo founded Wrexham Africa Community in 2019, helping just 15 families. The group grew, and in April 2023 Wrexham Africa Community became a CIC.
Wrexham Africa Community now helps over 300 families from all over Wrexham and the surrounding areas. On the 21st of July 2023, Omo opened Obehi’s African Community Market alongside her fellow Directors. Omo has given up her day job to be in the shop on a voluntary basis 7 days a week. Before this Omo used to travel several times a week to Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham to get groceries for the families that she supported. All this was while looking after her son who is autistic, and daughter who is a competitive swimmer.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business?
Starting a social business can be a challenging but rewarding journey. By staying focused on your passion and purpose, leveraging your strengths and resources, and seeking support from your network, you can create a meaningful and sustainable venture that makes a positive difference in the world.
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Economic empowerment is not only important for improving the lives of individual women but also for promoting broader social and economic development and achieving gender equality. Efforts to empower women economically should address structural barriers such as discriminatory laws and practices, unequal access to education and resources, and lack of access to finance and markets.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
The active participation of women in the social enterprise space is essential for driving positive social change, promoting gender equality, and creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Women are often disproportionately affected by social and environmental issues such as gender inequality, access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. Having women actively involved in social enterprises ensures that these issues are adequately addressed and that solutions are designed with a gender-sensitive approach.
Visible female leaders in the social enterprise space serve as role models for other women and girls, inspiring them to pursue careers in social entrepreneurship and leadership roles.
Saadia Abubaker – Founder, Saadia Speaks
A young woman who uses the power of her voice to empower the next generation by teaching them how to create opportunities for themselves and become the best version of themselves regardless of their circumstances. Saadia envisions a world where every young person has the chance to reach their greatest potential and she wants to play an active part in creating that world. She delivers workshop programmes, masterclasses and hosts her own podcast all in the aim of achieving this mission
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business ?
My advice to women who would like to set up a business is know your purpose, seek guidance and support from other women who are currently in the space and start!
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Economic empowerment for women is essential because it enables women to gain greater control over their finances which contributes to a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. Economic empowerment gives women the opportunity to make greater contributions to economic growth and development. .Lastly, economic empowerment is important as it gives women more decision -making power in both their personal and professional lives. This in turn can lead to increased self-esteem, confidence and overall empowerment of women.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
It’s important for women to be active in the social enterprise space as this space not only provides the platform for women to thrive, explore the potential and carry out their passions but it gives a space for women to drive social impact on causes they care about.
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business ?
If you’re thinking of setting up a social business, it’s probably because you’ve seen a gap or a problem in your community, and have a unique idea on how to fix it. BRILLIANT! Your community needs you, and the world at large could benefit from your idea. Don’t be afraid – there is lots of support, and you may just change a life (or hundreds of lives!)
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Economic empowerment is vital for women, especially when we consider that women’s economic liberation is very recent in the scope of history (and is still lacking in many parts of the world today). Women deserve autonomy, and one of the main methods used to control women is to strip away economic rights. We cannot stand for this, and every female entrepreneur in the social business space is demonstrating that we are knowledgeable, determined, capable, and worthy.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
Women are powerful – we have insights and ideas which are unique to our experiences, but which are also built on empathy and compassion for others. We know how to persevere, as so many of us have had to do in multiple aspects of our lives. When women are seen and heard in the social enterprise sphere, it means that new ideas are being tested anad new solutions are being found. And it means that future generations are looking to us as leaders, and seeing that women can change things for the better.
Alicia Stark – Director, Choirs for Good
Alicia Stark is one of the co-founders and directors of Choirs For Good, a non-profit social business which aims to help people feel good and do good through group singing. An avid choir singer her whole life, Alicia was born in Canada and grew up in America, before emigrating to Wales in 2009. She has a PhD in Popular Music, but has ditched the books for waving her arms in front of her two choirs: Choirs For Good Abergavenny and Choirs For Good Cardiff. Since 2020, Choirs For Good has been helping to improve people’s wellbeing and mental health with weekly singing rehearsals (first virtually, then in person). The organisation and its 12 choirs have also raised thousands of pounds for local and national charities, and volunteered countless hours to support good causes in their communities. Alicia is proud to have been one of the founders of Choirs For Good, alongside three other brilliant women – and one very plucky bloke!
What advice would you give women who are thinking about setting up a social business ?
If you’re thinking of setting up a social business, it’s probably because you’ve seen a gap or a problem in your community, and have a unique idea on how to fix it. BRILLIANT! Your community needs you, and the world at large could benefit from your idea. Don’t be afraid – there is lots of support, and you may just change a life (or hundreds of lives!)
How important is economic empowerment for women?
Economic empowerment is vital for women, especially when we consider that women’s economic liberation is very recent in the scope of history (and is still lacking in many parts of the world today). Women deserve autonomy, and one of the main methods used to control women is to strip away economic rights. We cannot stand for this, and every female entrepreneur in the social business space is demonstrating that we are knowledgeable, determined, capable, and worthy.
Why is it important for women to be visible and active in the social enterprise space?
Women are powerful – we have insights and ideas which are unique to our experiences, but which are also built on empathy and compassion for others. We know how to persevere, as so many of us have had to do in multiple aspects of our lives. When women are seen and heard in the social enterprise sphere, it means that new ideas are being tested and new solutions are being found. And it means that future generations are looking to us as leaders, and seeing that women can change things for the better.
