15 Female Social Entrepreneurs Recognized by Bayer Foundation

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 9 September 2025

• BFWEA, in collaboration with Impact Hub Network, honored 15 women from Latin America, Africa & the Middle East, and Asia Pacific
• Recipients were recognized for their efforts in tackling urgent problems of healthcare and food security

Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award (BFWEA) and in partnership with the Impact Hub Network rewarded 15 women in Latin America, Africa & the Middle East, and Asia Pacific who have made significant contributions in solving major issues in healthcare and food security.

Almost 295 million individuals suffer from acute hunger, and 2.33 billion are food insecure, according to the United Nations and the World Health Organization, setting the stage for solutions that are practical and scalable.

Chosen from 1,763 candidates in 117 countries, the 2025 awardees are building projects like AI-based diagnostic tools for health, climate-resilient agriculture, community-based nutrition models, and circular economy approaches.

Chitkala Kalidas, Executive Director of Bayer Foundation, highlighted the role of social entrepreneurs as drivers of change, stating that the foundation assists them through finance, sharing of knowledge, strategic networks, and greater exposure.

Even though they are responsible for 30 percent of GDP in emerging economies and 70 percent of consumption decisions worldwide, women entrepreneurs lack access to capital, mentorship, and visibility, as reported by the World Economic Forum.

The BFWEA fills these loopholes by offering the winner a €25,000 cash award, a six-month Accelerator Program, strategic guidance, and international exposure via the Impact Hub Network.

Chitkala emphasized that the collaboration with Impact Hub supports local solutions to healthcare and food issues as well as cultivates sustainable innovation ecosystems.

Kalidas further added that collaboration with Impact Hub enhances local reactions to healthcare and food-related challenges as well as promoting sustainable innovation ecosystems.