As part of the Environment Month celebrations, Standard Bank recently held the second session of Lioness Lean Verde, an event that brings together women entrepreneurs who own environmentally sustainable companies, with the aim of stimulating the development of green businesses with a positive impact on the environment and society.

The event, which took place in a hybrid format and aimed to share experiences and create networks between the participants, was organized in partnership with Lionesses of Africa and the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).

"Through this event we want to support sustainable entrepreneurship and show that in Mozambique we can also create green solutions by investing in Mozambican women, who have determination, bravery and so many other qualities. We also want to make Mozambique more sustainable and environmentally friendly, because we believe it is possible. We want to leave a more conscious generation," explained Standard Bank representative Neusa Xavier.

On the occasion, the founder and executive director of Lionesses of Africa, Melanie Hawken, considered that women can play an important role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country and on the African continent.

"Women are passionate about making a difference, impacting lives in a positive way and finding green solutions to environmental challenges. My call is that they must work with each other and create partnerships in order to find green solutions to the challenges facing the continent and the world," she stressed.

Economic empowerment and green transformation are also priorities for German Development Cooperation, whose representative, Sindy Karberg-Manuel, has pledged to continue supporting initiatives to this end.

"We believe that opportunities are unique, so our call is to explore all the possibilities to change the world."

The event featured seven speakers and exhibitors, namely Marta Uetela (founder of BioMec), Cátia Siueia (founder of Animate), Karina Jamal (founder of Koko Boxes), Lourdes Waty (founder of Zero Waste Moz), Ornília Faife (founder of EnviroWorks), Vanize da Natividade Teixeira (founder of Muyana e Artes) and Iara Muchanga (founder of Fermu).

Iara Muchanga is a young woman who makes jewelry using fish scales and heads, among other materials, as an alternative to the raw materials used in fashion, which, she explained, is the second most environmentally polluting industry.

"Fashion is necessary, but not compulsory. We all like clothes, earrings, accessories and everything that is necessary for our self-esteem. Many fabrics are made of plastic, specifically polymer, which takes a long time to biodegrade, and fashion is the second most environmentally polluting industry," she said.

The speaker, who has a degree in chemistry, said she wanted to collect waste and use it in fashion because "I want to find a balance between my dream and environmental sustainability. Fashion is a very toxic industry, so let's turn it into something beautiful and make a difference".

For Nívia Manhiça, a participant, the event served to awaken in her the need to take a closer look at the environment.

"Being part of an event like this has changed my mindset, and from today I'm going to start acting differently when it comes to the environment and sustainability. We talked about important aspects that each of us, in our home and family environment, can implement and help transform the environment."