Bayer inspires inclusion with launch of 2024 Women Empowerment Awards

Source: Supplied. In 2023, Debra Mallowah was appointed as Bayer’s first ever female lead in Africa for Crop Science, further reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to building a more equitable and diverse workforce.

This initiative is a celebration of women who are pioneering solutions and leading transformative change in health, nutrition, and climate-smart initiatives, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The Bayer Foundation has partnered with the Impact Hub Network which comprises more than 100 local communities worldwide, with members and partner organisations represented in over 60 countries. These hubs advocate for socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable businesses within the economy, actively fostering social innovations and supporting startups.

While women face challenges worldwide, the focus of this year’s Women Empowerment Awards centres around entrepreneurs from Asia Pacfic, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Fifteen inspiring winners from across these regions will be selected to participate in a six-month accelerator programme, including a €25,000 cash prize, personalised mentorship, visibility through branded communication activities, a sponsored trip to the award ceremony in Berlin and access to the extensive Alumni Network including the Bayer AG’s expert network.

Zandile Ndlovu, lead of diversity, equity and inclusion for Bayer South East Africa, says that Bayer's 2024 Women Empowerment Awards is one of several of Bayer's projects that inspire inclusion, which means the company recognises and appreciates the richness that comes from diverse perspectives, experiences and backgrounds.

“It’s about intentionally creating spaces and cultures where everyone feels welcomed, respected and empowered to fully engage and contribute to the collective goals and success of our organisation,” she says.

Bayer empowering women collaboratively

Bonolo Molewa, a representative on Bayer South East Africa’s Young Advisory Board, says that her experience within Bayer Crop Science, as one such example, has demonstrated inspired inclusion through great collaborations that continue to contribute to rural communities and economies.

This includes supporting smallholder farmers, a majority of whom are women, while also working to expand access to everyday health for women and children in underserved communities.

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“We have partnered with GrainSA through the Farmer Development Programme which fosters good farming practicies and products to smallholder farmers in South Africa,“ Molewa adds.

Bayer’s 100 million sustainability goals also reflect its commitment to driving innovation in women’s health and empowering female customers to self-directed and healthy lives. Moreover, Bayer has reaffirmed its commitment to providing 100 million women with access to affordable and modern contraception.

"In today’s world, women continue to encounter significant challenges that hinder their success. The Bayer Foundation Women Empowerment Awards, along with subsequent empowerment campaigns, aim to enhance their capacity to generate social impact through grounbreaking innovation, seeking women-led enterptrises that constibute to driving social change and improving communities," says Ndlovu.

Applications for the Women Empowerment Award are closed. The event ceremony will be held in June 2024.