Mouka, Herconomy, and Others Empower Women Entrepreneurs with Over N1,000,000 Grants
Mouka, in collaboration with Herconomy (formerly AGS Tribe), has continued its commitment to empowering women by presenting cash grants to outstanding women who juggle entrepreneurship and motherhood. This initiative, dubbed “Mum in Business,” honors women who overcome numerous challenges to achieve remarkable success in their business ventures.
Since 2019, Mouka has partnered with Herconomy, Nigeria’s first fintech company for women. Herconomy focuses on empowering female entrepreneurs and professionals through financial services, capacity building, community support, and opportunities. The initiative aims to recognize and support women who exemplify resilience and creativity in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Grand Prize Winners
– 2019: The first grand prize winner was Maryam Adebola-Salami, founder of Mobaby Care Nigeria, a company providing all-natural skin and hair care solutions for children.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Mouka’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is reflected in its five CSR pillars:
1. Comfort for Children
2. Health Programs
3. Skills for Life
4. Disaster Relief
5. Community Support
Under the ‘Skills for Life’ pillar, Mouka invests in scholarship and entrepreneurship programs, demonstrating a long-term dedication to empowering Nigerians and fostering economic growth.
Mother’s Day 2024 Grants
In May 2024, Mouka presented N1,000,000 in grants to three winners of the Mothers’ Day online engagement organized by Herconomy. These grants aim to enhance their businesses, coupled with high-quality Mouka mattresses and pillows to promote healthy sleep and well-being.
– First Prize Winner: Mrs. Blessing Olojo-Olayemi, owner of ‘Motale Elekogbajumo’ for food processing and packaging, received N500,000, a hybrid mattress, and pillows.
– Second Prize Winner: Mrs. Ogooluwa Abidemi Badmus, owner of ‘Tammypartyplace’ event planning, received N300,000.
– Third Prize Winner: Mrs. Alausa Haleemah, who runs a fabric enterprise, received N200,000.
Award Ceremony
The cash prizes and products were awarded at Mouka’s head office in Ikeja, Lagos, on May 29, 2024. The winners expressed gratitude towards Mouka for its generosity and support, which significantly boosted their small-scale enterprises.
– Blessing Olojo-Olayemi: “I am deeply grateful to Mouka for awarding me the Mothers’ Day Mum in Business grant. This support will significantly impact my trade. Thank you for empowering and uplifting mothers.”
– Ogooluwa Abidemi Badmus: “I am so delighted. I have never won anything like this. I am very grateful to Mouka; this gift came at the right time.”
– Alausa Haleemah: “I appreciate Mouka for this amazing opportunity, which would boost my business. I have been using Mouka products since childhood.”
Additional Initiatives
Mouka also supports other programs targeting women, such as the 360 Complete Woman beauty contest. This initiative helps women attain self-worth and purpose, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. The 2024 edition crowned Mrs. Okoronkwo Esther Kosacachi, who received a Wellbeing hybrid orthopedic mattress and pillows.
Mouka’s Vision for Women Empowerment
Godwin Anumenechi, Mouka’s Media and Insights Manager, emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting women-centric initiatives to bridge societal gaps caused by gender bias and discrimination.
“At Mouka, we see women as a key pillar of support in every home and society as a whole. We believe in an inclusive society where women are empowered to contribute their quota to the economy in line with the 10th SDG goal of reduced inequalities,” stated Anumenechi.
Mouka’s consistent efforts and partnerships with organizations like Herconomy underline its commitment to driving positive social impact and supporting the entrepreneurial spirit of women across Nigeria.