Five One Labs, an international startup incubator, is collaborating with the International Organisation for Migration to offer a two-day capacity building program as part of their ongoing support of brilliant, diverse entrepreneurs. This program, held on January 31 in Sulaimani, Iraq, gave Iraqi women entrepreneurs the skills and resources they needed to integrate environmentally friendly practices, peacebuilding, and climate resilience into their enterprises.
Two virtual roundtables that examined the connections between women’s empowerment, economic security, and sustainability were previously held by Five One Labs. The first roundtable brought together women leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to talk about the links between security concerns brought on by climate change and resilience-building strategies. The conversation centred on women-led businesses in Iraq, emphasising their proactive contributions to conflict resolution and environmental challenges. Participants talked on trends, tactics, policy gaps, resource accessibility, and the value of cross-sector collaboration while concentrating on long-term solutions.
Collaborative community-led strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation were the main topic of the second roundtable. Participants talked on ways to provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to take the lead on climate action and show up as active decision-makers in building sustainable futures. In order to strengthen women’s leadership, the conversation focused on the necessity of changing societal and cultural norms. Increased representation of women in environmental governance, investments in women-owned sustainable companies, and gender-inclusive approaches to climate adaptation planning were among the policy recommendations.
The capacity-building session expanded on these conversations by concentrating on how women-led enterprises may include sustainable practices. The circular economy, climate resilience, and regional case studies were all included in the sessions. The business owners acquired important knowledge and made contacts that would allow them to work together on upcoming green projects in Iraq.
“At Five One Labs, we believe that sustainability and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. This workshop provided a vital platform for female entrepreneurs to gain practical skills in green business practices while fostering a community of innovators dedicated to environmental and social impact. By integrating circular economy strategies and climate resilience into their ventures, these women are not only strengthening their businesses but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for Iraq.” – Savo Bakhtiar, Managing Director of Iraq | Ecosystem Growth
After the program, participants had received professional advice on financial planning and green entrepreneurial solutions for waste management, water scarcity, and the switch to renewable energy sources. Women entrepreneurs learnt more about how to strike a balance between profitability and social and environmental effect as a result of the seminars.
“The Climate Connect workshop was a great opportunity for me. Being a part of a network where we all work towards a sustainable Kurdistan was very needed. We need projects like this to have more environmentally-friendly products.” – Shilan Shaban, founder of Shila Pigments and workshop attendee
In addition to building a network of entrepreneurs who strive for a more inventive, resilient, and sustainable Iraq, Five One Labs will keep supporting women-led projects that take a greener approach.
