Posted by Nardos Masresha
December 8, 2015
As women are a central strategy of the Ethiopia Climate Innovation Center (ECIC), the ECIC organized the Women Innovators of the Year Award – WIYA 2015 in recognition of the Global Entrepreneurs Week in Ethiopia.
The event was organized with the objective of celebrating the efforts of Ethiopian innovative women entrepreneurs, stimulating innovation as well as entrepreneurship and raising awareness on climate change challenges. WIYA 2015 was colorfully celebrated in the presence of representative of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank, the competitors, government and non-governmental organizations.Inspirational speeches and presentations on climate change and gender, the World Bank Support to the ECIC and women and innovative businesses were presented.
Photo left bottom: Starting from left (the woman holding the mic), Tehut Tesfaye, CEO of Ethiopia Climate Innovation Center, Tarikayehu Gebreslassie, the first place winner in climate technology business idea and Welela Ketema, from World Bank
Photo right bottom: The four award wining women’s starting from left Alemtsehai Greiling, Tarikayehu Gebreslassie, Blen Solomon and Rahel Heruy
Out of 25 women applicants the selected four finalists of the WIAY 2015 pitched about their innovative businesses. The WIYA 2015 awards were categorized into the following categories. First place winner in climate technology business idea. Award of $2,200 First place winner in non-climate technology business idea. Award of $2,200 Second place winner in any of the above categories. Award of $1,100 In addition, the WIYA judges recommended the ECIC that the third place business idea deserved to be recognized, thus, recognition was given to the third place winner.
The winners were:
Tarikayehu Gebreslassie is the first place winner in climate technology business idea. Tarkiayehu works on production of bamboo vinegar solution- used as organic fertilizer, bamboo soap and water purifier from bamboo charcoal. (Read more in this presentation.)
Alemtsehai Greiling, the first place winner in non-climate technology business idea, is focused on manufacturing affordable and nutritious food production. She is currently producing breakfast cereals and cereal bars at her kitchen and on the process of establishing a nutritious food product processing plant in Addis Ababa. (Read more in this presentation)
Blen Solomon, who is the second place winner showcased in this award her weaving machine that can be used by the disabled, the blind and other people. (Read more in this presentation).
Rahel Heruy, was recognized as the third place winner as recommended by the judges. Her company produces natural herbal personal care products from sesame and herbs grown in Ethiopia. She grows herbs and spices on farms in Menagesha, Bahir Dar and Bonga. (Read more in this presentation).
