Women's Economic Empowerment

A TechnoServe program in India is equipping women-led startups with the knowledge and tools they need to make a sustainable impact.

In a world where reality TV is often synonymous with drama and outlandish behavior, who knew it could be a tool to fight poverty? A TechnoServe program is using reality TV to equip women entrepreneurs in Mozambique with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Our monthly photo series highlights the beauty and opportunity in the lives of our clients around the world.

Naila Farouk recently completed a TechnoServe fellowship in Burundi, where she created a global marketing survey to collect data on Burundian coffee. In honor of International Women’s Day, Naila shared her fellowship experience, discussed women who have inspired her, and highlighted some of the structural barriers women face.

Lily Pacas is an entrepreneur in the coffee business and a fifth-generation coffee producer in El Salvador. Read about her experience growing up in a coffee-growing family, how those experiences led to a career in civil service, and her hopes for women in coffee.

Explore Claudia "La Vaquerita" Alvarado's story in El Salvador, where her recycling initiative fuels the local circular economy, improving solid waste management issues and promoting job creation. Through La Vaquerita, Claudia increases environmental sustainability and provides employment, an important combination for economic growth.

Meet Yader Blandín. This young Nicaraguan man joined a gender commission to challenge stereotypes and change the mentality of multiple generations within his community. TechnoServe knows engaging men is a critical component of empowering women in agriculture.

When Virginie Adounon first opened her beauty salon in Bohicon, Benin, she was not keeping track of her sales or giving herself a salary, and she could not save up enough money to make necessary upgrades to her shop. After joining a TechnoServe program called BeniBiz, she gained the skills she needed to run a profitable business.

Since 1998, TechnoServe has been helping Mozambique’s industries, agribusinesses, and entrepreneurs increase their competitiveness and incomes. We recently hosted an event to celebrate 25 years of impact.

Our monthly photo series highlights the beauty and emotion in the lives of our clients around the world.