People often say “the future of farming is female”, but the Corteva Agriscience Programme is proof that the future is female, right now. The amazing #SoilSistas, women selected to take part in the yearlong blended Corteva Agriscience Women Agripreneur Programme, joined their 2021 predecessors in what turned out to be a masterclass in women empowerment.
Though they face many barriers in agriculture, there are women all over the country kicking down doors in the sector. In an event titled #BuildHerFuture, Corteva Agriscience brought together some of these phenomenal women to network, learn, and build community.
Barbra Muzata, the company’s corporate communications and brand leader, says part of their mandate is to figure out ways in which they can positively impact the businesses of the programme participants.
“How do we add value? How do we help them scale their businesses? How do we get them together to network to share their experiences and successes? And also, how do we help identify ways they can get assistance for their businesses?”
Muzata points out that the last three years have been particularly difficult for farmers and business owners, with the inability to meet face to face forming a distinct barrier against business development.
“That is really the main reason why we held the event. We wanted to launch a series of conversations that will help the programme participants grow and help them identify other ways that we can assist. For me, it’s about developing relationships, and helping them connect and learn from each other and from experts.”
For Waseef Gool, Chief Creative Officer at Wingman Communications, there needs to be some collaboration that takes place to help women in business build their brands, business and a legacy.
“I believe this session helps all parties kickstart work towards that objective. As Wingman Communications, it is an honour to design and implement the #BuildHerFuture series. The insights from the conversations today and in future will enable us to help make the brand relevant.”
A compelling line-up
Speakers at the event included Betty Kiplagat, head of government affairs and industry affairs at Corteva Agriscience Africa Middle East; Anna Phosa, the only black woman to own a commercial pig farming operation in the country; and Refiloe “Mama Refiloe” Molefe, an urban farmer famous for her drive and tenacity.
Nthakheni Portia Netshirembe, a mixed farmer and 2021 programme alumnus, was also in the line-up. She recounts her farming journey and tells the story of how Covid-19 nearly ended her business. Her outlook changed, however, after joining the programme.
“In February 2021, we had our orientation. I was ready to learn, be it from the facilitators or from all my fellow classmates. My goal was that I would be the most curious person in that room.”
Netshirembe explains how the programme changed her mindset, increased her knowledge, and motivated her to do better.
“I was taught. I was challenged. I was energised. I was inspired. And I was renewed. When I started, I was contemplating things about my life and my work, but this programme put fuel in me.”
Ending her speech to wild applause, Netshirembe congratulated the women for getting into the programme and urged them to take full advantage of all it has to offer.
“This programme is the best investment you have ever made in yourself.”
The importance of building community
Networking and access to information are two of the most important ingredients entrepreneurs need to succeed in life and business, especially for women in agriculture. Finding the right place and environment to make those contacts on your own can be difficult and tricky though.
For women entrepreneurs to actually network, learn, win, and be successful, collaboration is required, especially to build sustainable businesses in the long term. The Corteva Agriscience collaboration with the BUILD THE FUTURE SERIES aims to:
- Create an enabling environment for women in business.
- Encourage women to:
- Share their stories
- Learn more about each other’s backgrounds and businesses
- Connect with the right networks
- Share more about their challenges and identify solutions and support structures
- Celebrate their successes together
- Start partnerships and collaborations
The event kickstarted a series of conversations that aim to help women entrepreneurs build their brands, business, and future.
ALSO READ: Grandfather inspired #SoilSista’s love to farm
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