Photo Credit: Healthy Women Facebook Page
What began as a grassroots effort in her local community evolved into a mission to transform health outcomes and foster gender equality.
The Moment of Change
As almost all start-ups, Healthy Women faced significant challenges in its early days. With limited resources and a small volunteer team, Susan's vision seemed ambitious. But her commitment was unwavering, and a critical turning point came when Healthy Women was accepted into Reach for Change’s incubator. Joining the incubator marked the beginning of a transformative chapter for the organization.
The two years in the incubator were monumental for the development of Healthy Women. Susan and her team learned to navigate the complexities of running a social enterprise. They benefited from regular check-ins, expert coaching, and a broadened network of like-minded entrepreneurs and collaborators. Stepping outside their comfort zone became a norm.
The incubator pushed me to tackle challenges I had never imagined, from perfecting pitches in English to designing impact measurement strategies. These efforts gave tangible results: the organization had clearer sustainability goals, a more cohesive team, and an expanded reach.
Photo Credit: Healthy Women Facebook Page
From idea to exponential growth
By 2023, Healthy Women had grown exponentially. What started with a small, dedicated team and a modest following had blossomed into a thriving organization with 24 team members and a social media presence that resonated with thousands. Weekly participation in their training sessions had surged to 250 girls, and membership numbers were climbing steadily. Platforms like TikTok became powerful tools for connecting with young women, amplifying their message and impact.
Photo Credit: Healthy Women Facebook Page
What’s next?
Susan’s story is one of vision, determination, and sincere effort. Looking to the future, she envisions Healthy Women as a national force. In 10 years, she dreams of a Sweden where collaboration between organizations is the norm. With a solid base in Stockholm and deep integration in suburban areas, Healthy Women aims to expand nationally while contributing to gender equality and transforming health statistics
Aiza's Transformation through Fitness with Healthy Women:
“I heard about Healthy Women from my sister and I signed up directly for their kick-off in Skärholmen. I then got a very good understanding of what they stand for, which is to promote both physical and mental health, and that is something which is very important to me. This they do, among other things, through various forms of group training sessions, girls' nights, gyms - a little bit of everything! Personally, I have had a very hard time getting started with exercise, so Healthy Women has been like my savior, and today I go to both kickboxing and dance. We're a group of girls who really encourage and support each other, and we've been given a chance to grow and just have a lot of fun together!”
Photo Credit: Healthy Women Facebook Page
