In practice, these entrepreneurs are addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From expanding access to quality education and economic opportunities to tackling environmental issues and improving community wellbeing, their work extends beyond traditional business models. They build solutions that place people, sustainability, and long-term impact at the center, contributing to stronger and more resilient communities.

At Reach for Change, we support entrepreneurs to grow their ideas and reach more people by connecting them to funding, mentorship, and strategic networks that enable scale. As we mark Women’s Month, this is an opportunity to recognize and amplify women who are leading change across their communities. To deepen this perspective, we conducted a short survey with women entrepreneurs we support, and the insights are reflected throughout this piece.

The Power of Women-Led Social Enterprises

Many women social entrepreneurs build solutions rooted in lived experience. They are solving problems they have seen and faced themselves.

Azeb Gebremeskel, founder of Rohan Solutions Manufacturing PLC, was inspired to address industrial wastewater pollution after observing its environmental and health impacts during her academic studies. Through her work, she has developed solutions that utilize industrial by-products, such as bagasse fly ash, to treat contaminated wastewater. Her journey reflects how local challenges can lead to innovative and sustainable business ideas.

Similarly, Hermela Fikre, founder of KoderLab Training Centre, established her EdTech enterprise to respond to the limited access to digital skills among young people, particularly girls and those from underserved communities. She recognized that many talented youth were excluded from opportunities simply because they lacked exposure to technology. By creating a space where learners can build both technical and soft skills, she is helping young people become confident, creative, and future-ready.

These examples demonstrate how women entrepreneurs often design inclusive, community-centered solutions that directly respond to real needs. Their work ensures that marginalized groups, especially women and youth, are not left behind.

Women Entrepreneurs Creating Impact

Women-led social enterprises are creating tangible impact across sectors. Many are generating employment opportunities for young people and women who might otherwise struggle to find work. Others are expanding access to education, particularly in underserved areas, while some are advancing environmentally sustainable practices that protect livelihoods.

KoderLab Training Centre is one such example. What began as an initiative reaching around 700 learners has grown to impact more than 7,000 students across Ethiopia, as well as in Kenya and Uganda. Beyond scale, the program has transformed individual lives. Sinit, an 18-year-old refugee from Eritrea, joined without prior exposure to computers. Through the training, she developed digital skills, built confidence, and eventually became a mentor to others, illustrating how inclusive learning pathways unlock leadership.

Another impactful example is Han’s with Care Trading PLC, established in 2021 to produce safe, affordable, and eco-friendly reusable sanitary products. The founder’s personal experiences with limited access to menstrual hygiene products and related challenges motivated her to create solutions that help girls stay in school with dignity. To date, the enterprise has reached over 22,000 girls and women, particularly in underserved communities, contributing to improved health, confidence, and school attendance.

Beyond measurable outcomes, women entrepreneurs serve as powerful role models, inspiring other women and young people to pursue their ideas and become agents of change.

Challenges Women Entrepreneurs Face

Despite their measurable impact, women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia continue to face structural barriers, including limited access to finance, restricted networks and mentorship opportunities, societal expectations, and gender bias.

As Hermela Fikre shared, one of the biggest challenges she faced was being underestimated as a leader in a male-dominated space. She overcame this by focusing on delivering results, building supportive networks, and remaining persistent in pursuing her vision. Similarly, Hiwot Zelalem, founder of Muya-space PLC, highlighted the difficulty of being taken seriously, particularly in the early stages of her journey.

These experiences underscore the importance of creating inclusive ecosystems that actively support women entrepreneurs through targeted programs, mentorship, and access to opportunities.

Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Through Reach for Change

Reach for Change works to strengthen the social entrepreneurship ecosystem by supporting innovative entrepreneurs who are addressing critical social and environmental challenges. Through funding, mentorship, capacity-building, and access to networks, we help entrepreneurs develop and scale their solutions.

Women entrepreneurs are a central part of this effort. In Ethiopia, more than 60% of the social entrepreneurs we have supported over the past five years are women. They are leading impactful initiatives across sectors such as education, environmental sustainability, job creation, and community development.

Many of these entrepreneurs highlight the value of holistic support. From financial resources to mentorship and networking opportunities, these interventions enable them to strengthen their businesses and expand their reach. Importantly, such support also builds confidence and credibility, allowing women entrepreneurs to access new partnerships and opportunities.

Hanan Abdi, Founder of Han’s With care trading plc "Reach for Change has truly supported our business; through finance, Circular Economy principles , and BDS training to marketing and branding; but most of all, the networking platform it has created for us is priceless.”  

Lessons from Women Social Entrepreneurs

Working with women social entrepreneurs has provided important insights into what drives meaningful and sustainable impact. One key lesson is the importance of locally grounded solutions. Enterprises that are built on a deep understanding of community needs are more likely to be effective and sustainable.

Resilience is another defining characteristic. Women entrepreneurs often navigate multiple challenges while building their ventures, yet they continue to adapt, innovate, and move forward. Their journeys demonstrate that persistence and determination are critical to long-term success.

Hermela Fikre shares this advice for other women entrepreneurs who may be struggling: “Bet on yourself before anyone else does. Start before the conditions feel perfect, and trust that every failure is the clearest lesson on how to build something that lasts.”

Collaboration also plays a vital role. Access to networks, mentorship, and peer learning opportunities enables entrepreneurs to strengthen their ideas, refine their models, and scale their impact. When supported by a strong ecosystem, women entrepreneurs are better positioned to thrive.

Looking Ahead: Building a More Inclusive Ecosystem

While the achievements of women social entrepreneurs are inspiring, there is still a need to strengthen the ecosystem that supports them. Expanding access to funding, increasing mentorship opportunities, and promoting gender-inclusive policies are essential steps toward enabling more women to succeed.

At Reach for Change, we remain committed to supporting entrepreneurs who are creating positive social change. Women social entrepreneurs are a powerful force within this movement, and their contributions continue to shape a more equitable and sustainable future.

Creating an enabling environment requires collaboration among organizations, partners, investors, and ecosystem actors. By working together, we can ensure that women entrepreneurs have the support they need to grow their ideas and reach more communities.

Change begins with those who reach for it.