AIW at SEOC 2024: Beyond Inclusion
In October, we had the privilege of attending the Social Enterprise Open Camp (SEOC) 2024 , In Catania, Sicily for the second year in a row, thanks to our partnership with Opes/LCEF. SEOC is a global event that brings together social entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, share stories, and explore innovative approaches to addressing the world’s pressing challenges.
This year’s theme, "BEYOND INCLUSION for a fair economy and a healthy planet," invited us to reimagine inclusion - not just as a goal but as a starting point. It challenged us to think about business models that go beyond traditional frameworks, empowering communities in ways that truly transform lives.
Representing AIW at SEOC was an inspiring experience, and we came away with insights that will shape our journey moving forward.
Eva and Brisilda at SEOC
One of the highlights of SEOC was hearing from Sophia and Paul Grinvalds, co-founders of Afripads, a social enterprise in Uganda dedicated to manufacturing and distributing reusable menstrual products. They shared their journey of building trust within communities and raising awareness. A key lesson they imparted was that need doesn’t always guarantee demand. To create lasting impact, social enterprises must engage deeply with their communities, understand their real needs, and collaborate on solutions that truly resonate.
Paul Grinvalds, Co-founder of Afripads, Jack Sim, Founder of the World Toilet Organization, Martin Burt, Founder of Fundación Paraguaya, Linda Davis, Founder & CEO, Giraffe Bioenergy, Kenya
Louisa Gathecha, Co-Founder & CEO, Bottle Logistics; Kenya
Judith Marera, Co-Founder & CEO, Lanforce Energy, Zimbabwe
From Uganda, we traveled virtually to Paraguay, where Martin Burt, founder of Fundación Paraguaya, shared his innovative approach to addressing poverty. His organization is a NGO based in Paraguay that focuses on poverty elimination through innovative and sustainable solutions. Established in 1985, it is internationally recognized for its programs aimed at improving the lives of low-income individuals and families. He emphasized the importance of listening to those who are directly affected by poverty, as they hold invaluable insight into their own experiences and needs. By using tools that capture the complexity of poverty and recognizing the unique circumstances of each family, we can create more personalized and impactful solutions that go beyond traditional measures, ensuring that efforts are truly effective and compassionate.
As the event progressed, Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization, captivated the audience with his candid and powerful keynote. His organization is dedicated to improving global sanitation, a critical yet often overlooked issue.During his keynote, he left us with a powerful piece of advice: "Don’t be a hero, empower others." The true essence of social entrepreneurship lies in lifting others up and giving them the tools to succeed. The journey of creating systemic change isn’t about personal glory - it’s about inspiring a collective movement. Jack emphasized that success comes when everyone involved feels ownership of the change.
Brisilda and Eva during workshops and networking
In addition to these inspiring talks, we participated in two thought-provoking workshops focused on developing innovative business models that go beyond inclusion. These sessions seamlessly tied together themes of leadership, collaboration, and empowerment, providing actionable tools for driving systemic change.
One workshop highlighted that effectiveIt leadership is not an innate talent but a skill that can be nurtured and developed over time. True leadership requires a forward-thinking mindset, focusing on long-term impact and envisioning progress five years into the future rather than seeking immediate transformation
Social enterprises frequently arise in response to gaps within communities, seeking to address unmet needs and shift the narrative toward sustainable solutions. At their core, these ventures are about empowerment—fostering progress that enables individuals and communities to achieve greater freedom and opportunity through collaboration and innovation.
Another key takeaway was the value of reflection and growth through Kolb’s Learning Cycle, which encourages a continuous process of experiencing, reflecting, concluding, and planning. This simple yet powerful framework reminded us that every experience—success or challenge—offers an opportunity for growth.
A Journey Worth Remembering
As we reflect on our time at SEOC 2024, we’re reminded of the immense value of connecting with like-minded social entrepreneurs and learning from those who are pioneering new ways of thinking and working. The lessons we learned will undoubtedly shape the future of AIW as we continue to empower and uplift women in our community
At its core, SEOC 2024 reaffirmed what we believe at AIW community, and entrepreneurship are powerful tools for breaking barriers and fostering a more inclusive world. We’re excited to take these lessons back to our work, continuing to push boundaries and create lasting impact through social entrepreneurship.
