We strengthen women entrepreneurs who combat poverty, empower women, and advocate for the fight against climate change.
Women Climate Entrepreneurs
(WOCEN)
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Become a Member now
We strengthen women entrepreneurs who combat poverty, empower women, and advocate for the fight against climate change.
Women Climate Entrepreneurs (WOCEN)
Donate now
Become a Member now
Who we are
- Women Climate Entrepreneurs (WOCEN) is an independent Swiss organization engaged in international cooperation, with a focus on business development, climate, women’s empowerment, and poverty alleviation.
- WOCEN supports small and medium-sized social enterprises in countries in the global south, led by women, that integrate economic, ecological, and social aspects.
- WOCEN is a non-profit association with a growing presence in the community.
- WOCEN collaborates with civil society, private sector, and government actors.
Why WOCEN?
Because women in Southern countries are affected most by the consequences of climate change.
Industrialized nations are the main contributors to global warming, but impoverished populations in the countries of the global South are the most affected by the impacts of climate change. Women, due to their lower social and economic status, are particularly vulnerable and thus the most affected. Extreme drought, high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and floods have existential consequences for them and their families. Women, due to their lower social and economic status, are particularly vulnerable and thus the most affected. Extreme drought, high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and floods have existential consequences for them and their families.
Because we see and empower the potential of female entrepreneurs.
According to various studies, women make better entrepreneurs compared to men. They achieve more success with their businesses, higher incomes, and tend to make wiser decisions than men. Women are often better able to assess risks and meet social needs. Many female entrepreneurs possess superior leadership, problem-solving, and innovation skills compared to men.
Because social enterprises have a significant impact on women and girls.
Social enterprises led by women in countries of the global South are often catalysts for change for women and girls. They pave the way for economic independence, empowerment, gender equality, and community solidarity. Even a fair and regular income for female employees has a tremendous effect on their families. Children can attend school, and in case of emergency, medical care is possible. Even if the harvest fails, income is secured.
Because supporting local social enterprises strengthens self-responsibility.
Partnerships and cooperation with local social enterprises are built upon existing, proven, and locally rooted businesses familiar with the context. In contrast to aid projects, support from WOCEN mobilizes self-responsibility in a special way and scales existing strengths in the long term.
OUR PROJECTS >
What we do
Business development
WOCEN empowers small and medium-sized enterprises led by women. We support female entrepreneurs in establishing green social enterprises through personal guidance, business and technical expertise, as well as long-term loans.
Women’s empowerment
In collaboration with selected social enterprises, WOCEN empowers marginalized girls and women. They are empowered to assert their rights, gain education and participation, and engage as entrepreneurs and climate activists.
Climate protection and adaptation to climate change
WOCEN supports and empowers women entrepreneurs to develop and implement business ideas in the field of climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction. Their value chains are designed to be as carbon neutral as possible.
Poverty alleviation
Partner companies provide their employees with regular and secure incomes under fair working conditions. This creates resilient livelihoods and promotes economic independence for many people. The social impacts extend far beyond the employees and their families, reaching their neighbourhoods and communities.
Business development
WOCEN empowers small and medium-sized enterprises led by women. We support female entrepreneurs in establishing green social enterprises through personal guidance, business and technical expertise, as well as long-term financial participation.
Women’s empowerment
In collaboration with selected social enterprises, WOCEN empowers marginalized girls and women. They are empowered to assert their rights, gain education and participation, and engage as entrepreneurs and climate activists.
Climate protection and adaptation to climate change
WOCEN supports and empowers women entrepreneurs to develop and implement business ideas in the field of climate change adaptation and greenhouse gas reduction. Their value chains are designed to be as carbon neutral as possible.
Poverty alleviation
Partner companies provide their employees with regular and secure incomes under fair working conditions. This creates resilient livelihoods and promotes economic independence for many people. The social impacts extend far beyond the employees and their families, reaching their neighbourhoods and communities.
OUR PROJECTS >
Our approach
Through loans, technical and business development support, WOCEN accompanies social enterprises on a growth path that achieves significant economic, social, and ecological impact for many employees and their families.
How does collaboration between WOCEN and climate-social entrepreneurs come about?
Step 1
Identification and Documentation
WOCEN identifies potential companies that apply for collaboration with a comprehensive documentation.
Step 2
Due Diligence
Potential partner companies undergo an examination process conducted by a third party on-site.
Step 3
Committee Decision
Based on the examination results and internal criteria, a committee decides whether investment and technical support are generally feasible.
Step 1
Identification and Documentation
WOCEN identifies potential companies that apply for collaboration with a comprehensive documentation.
Step 2
Due Diligence
Potential partner companies undergo an examination process conducted by a third party on-site.
Step 3
Committee Decision
Based on the examination results and internal criteria, a committee decides whether investment and technical support are generally feasible.
Step 4
Growth Plan Workshop
In a workshop, a growth plan with indicators is collaboratively developed, and a project proposal is formulated.
Step 5
Fundraising
The selected company receives approval for the planned investment and the intended support measures. However, the required financial resources must be mobilized first.
Step 6
Implementation of Growth Plan
Once the necessary financial resources are available, implementation begins according to the growth plan with close guidance from WOCEN.
Step 4
Growth Plan Workshop
In a workshop, a growth plan with indicators is collaboratively developed, and a project proposal is formulated.
Step 5
Fundraising
The selected company receives approval for the planned investment and the intended support measures. However, the required financial resources must be mobilized first.
Step 6
Implementation of Growth Plan
Once the necessary financial resources are available, implementation begins according to the growth plan with close guidance from WOCEN.
Step 7
Monitoring and Evaluation
Business activities are measured according to agreed impact and growth indicators (see Step 4), and regular monitoring and impact reports are prepared. After 6-7 years, the project is completed, and a comprehensive evaluation is conducted.
OUR PROJECTS >
Step 7
Monitoring and Evaluation
Business activities are measured according to agreed impact and growth indicators (see Step 4), and regular monitoring and impact reports are prepared. After 6-7 years, the project is completed, and a comprehensive evaluation is conducted.
OUR PROJECTS >
Our Vision
Small and medium-sized social enterprises in the Global South, led by women, are experiencing targeted empowerment through WOCEN.
A growing number of selected partner companies are on a growth path that significantly enhances their economic, social, and ecological impact.
The women entrepreneurs have transformed their enterprises into catalysts for change, making a substantial contribution to promoting climate justice, gender justice, and social justice.
OUR PROJECTS >
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OUR PROJECTS >
Donate now
Become a Member now
Donate now
Become a Member now
Contact address
WOCEN
Women Climate Entrepreneurs
PO Box
4002 Basel
+41 (0)79 6 74 5765
info[at]wocen.org
Bank connection
IBAN: CH13 0900 0000 1619 0106 0
BIC: POFICHBEXXX
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