2023 finalists

In light of the looming climate crisis, we chose green social entrepreneurship as the impact focus of the HerMeNow Accelerator Cycle 2. The program was developed to align with the 2023 COP 28 conference in Dubai and address key UN Sustainable Development Goals*.

The final 10 participants are social enterprises created by women entrepreneurs whose businesses range from sustainable farming, waste management, retail commerce and beyond.

*SDG Relevance: 5 - Gender Equality, 8 - Decent Work & Econ Growth, 10 - Reduced Inequalities, 13 - Climate Action, and other eco-relevant SDGs (6 - Clean Water & Sanitation, 7 - Renewable Energy, 11 - Sustainable Cities & Communities, 12 - Responsible Consumption, 14 - Life Below Water, 15 - Life on Land).

Belta Waste Paper

Belta recycles waste paper from schools and offices into eco-friendly products, aiming to eliminate paper burning, reduce air pollution, and promote sustainability.

SDG GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Belta Kazimoto

Tanzania

Caryle Entreprise

We recycle textile waste to produce reusable sanitary pads so as to address period poverty & reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action

Caren Ajwang

Kenya

Echeveria

We are succulent artists creating memories with innovative eco-friendly re-plantable designs to promote sustainability.

SDG GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sara Abbas

Lebanon

Fish Box

We are a marketplace for fish and feeds supporting women in fisher communities to become more climate resilient.

SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action

Madeleine Mung'ei

Kenya

Hazel Farm

Hazel Farm (HF) combines farming with entertainment, promoting organic food and environmental awareness. Guests participate in planting, harvesting, and farm-to-table experiences, enjoying seasonal festivals and tailored activities for various audiences.

SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

Iman Mostafa

Egypt

Khwezi Innovation

Khwezi Innovations is a startup dedicated to co-creating innovative solutions that address climate change and sustainability issues in the healthcare waste sector.

SDG GOAL 13: Climate Action

Nonhlanhla Mhlongo

South Africa

Ndogo Farms

At Ndogo Farms, we convert small spaces into gardens using eco friendly fabrics in urban areas to ensure urban dwellers have access to fresh and organically grown food at the comfort of their own homes.

SDG GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being

Elizabeth Koigi

Kenya

SmartLand

SmartLand optimizes farming operations with an automated irrigation and fertigation system connected to a mobile app. Soil and water data collected by field sensors are analyzed by the main controller, which manages water supply and fertilization for enhanced crop health and efficiency.

SDG GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Reem Alabbass

Lebanon

The Kind Market

The Kind Market is a one-stop shop for all environmentally-friendly products. We offer plastic-free, environmentally-friendly alternatives to everyday products, from kitchen and cleaning items, to beauty products and sustainable fashion.

SDG GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production