Sonia Paiva's Woman Farmer Foundation empowers Eswatini women and youth
Sonia’s passion lies in ensuring that the women and youth who take part in the foundation's Woman Farmer of the Year competition grow in the business and are aware of their rights and capabilities.
She makes sure that they get all the assistance they need to thrive in the business world.
Up to now, over 3,000 women in Eswatini have gone through Sonia’s project.
On 4 December, at the COP28 climate talks, Sonia will join a high-level panel that includes heads of state and the International Trade Centre’s Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, to discuss the impact trade can have in climate action.
Her experience at the Woman Farmer Foundation will enrich the panel with its experience of improving incomes and promoting sustainable livelihoods through agriculture. The foundation focuses strictly on women and youth.
Farmers are trained in areas where they can benefit from further support. This has improved livelihoods, growing the breadbasket and the agricultural economy of Eswatini.
Beyond her foundation, Sonia serves on boards like the National Maize Corporation and the National Agricultural Marketing Board, showcasing her commitment to overall community development. As the head of Eswatini Kitchen and Eswatini Foods, she's led the export of 90% of their production to Germany, Scotland, and the United States.
As she prepares for COP28, we are thrilled that Sonia Paiva will bring her wealth of experience and commitment to the global stage.
