As you know, every month I introduce a charity organisation on my blog in order to raise awareness for them. Since I have this fantastic platform, my blog, I try to use it to support good causes too. This month, I’d like to introduce: One World Women.
How the idea was born
When in the Gambia, West Africa for a beach holiday with a friend, Cath took a day excursion to a home cookery school where the activity was to learn how to make traditional Gambian cuisine. Whilst the Benachin (one-pot) was cooking, Cath had the opportunity to discuss with Ida Cham, the host about local culture, what life is like for the woman and what support is available for them to thrive. Ida explained, that with the profit from her successful cookery school she micro-loaned amounts to local women to help them to set up their own enterprise. This truly inspired Cath. Fast-forward one month and Ida was visiting family in Manchester, Cath flew up to visit her and pitched her an idea where she suggested bringing small groups of experienced, professional businesswomen to the Gambia where each person could partner with a local Gambian businesswomen and help them to improve their businesses through mentoring and coaching support. The idea has since become a non-profit social enterprise called One World Women CIC.
UK Project Leader Cath Harris with Gambian Project Leader Ida Cham
The first cohort went to Gambia for a week in November 2018 and this pilot group were truly impressed and fulfilled with the amount of impact they were personally able to contribute. The relationships have continued long after that intense week of cultural-exchange with monthly coaching sessions and progress on business plans continuing to be achieved.
Their socials are:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/oneworldwomen
https://www.facebook.com/OneWorldWomen/
https://www.instagram.com/OneWorldWomen1
https://www.twitter.com/oneworldwomen1
www.oneworldwomen.co.uk – due to launch in April.