Sofia – Sofia Durrani

Posted on January 11, 2024February 17, 2025 by Sofia — Leave a comment

Driving Team Effectiveness at SFC: Our Partnership with Insight Collaborative

The Savannah Fruits Company Engagement with Insight Collaborative

Oct 2023 – Dec 2023

Genevieve Chiola role playing a hypothetical scenario with one of our SFC field officers

As Head of Sustainability at Savannah Fruits Company (SFC), I recognize that a strong, collaborative workplace is fundamental to our overall success, even if the connection to our circular supply chain isn’t immediately obvious. We initiated an engagement with Insight Collaborative in December 2022, starting with 6 in person interviews and a company-wide diagnostic survey about team effectiveness conducted by Elise Willer, a consultant at IC. Following this, we held a 2 hour virtual workshop with our leadership team, focusing on team dynamics, alignment, and practical skill development. The insights gained from this workshop prompted us to develop a more comprehensive plan for improving internal communication. I then took the lead on organizing the logistics of a three-month fellowship program with Insight Collaborative, bringing Genevieve Chiola on board from October to December 2023.

As the lead on organizing the logistics for this initiative, I coordinated a series of workshops and coaching sessions designed to enhance communication skills across our Tamale and Accra offices. This included diagnostic conversations, workshops on difficult conversations and accountability, and individual coaching with Genevieve who’d flown all the way from the East Coast of the US to spend part of her fellowship with us.

The workshops and coaching sessions revealed a clear picture: our team in Tamale is incredibly dedicated, but also extremely busy. Time management and prioritization emerged as key challenges. We noticed that consistent attendance at workshops and coaching sessions was difficult due to competing deadlines. We understand that prioritizing personal development alongside daily tasks can be a balancing act. From a sustainability perspective, ensuring our team is supported with the tools they need to communicate effectively is essential for long-term success. A more unified approach, with clear messaging from leadership emphasizing the importance of these initiatives, would allow us to unlock the full potential of this valuable work. When everyone is engaged, the impact on team dynamics and overall company culture is amplified exponentially.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential for further collaboration with Insight Collaborative. We envision continued workshops, expanded team participation, and the development of long-term coaching relationships. Specifically, we’re considering workshops on strategic thinking and decision-making, effective communication, and expanded coaching opportunities, including field coaching and group coaching. We’re also particularly excited about the possibility of tailoring these workshops for our women’s shea co-ops, empowering them with essential communication and decision-making skills. This aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals, ensuring that our positive impact extends throughout our entire network.

Ultimately, shifting company culture towards greater unity requires a collective effort. Visible leadership support and engagement in these initiatives are crucial. We believe that by investing in our team’s communication skills and fostering a culture of open dialogue, we can create a more resilient, collaborative, and ultimately, more sustainable organization. This journey is about building bridges within our team and strengthening our foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future for SFC.

Genevieve demonstrating a role playing with Iddi, one of our SFC field officers

Posted on February 17, 2021February 17, 2025 by Sofia — Leave a comment

What I did during COVID

January 2019 – October 2020 Tamale, Ghana

How did I spend my time during the covid epidemic while the world was seemingly on fire and also figuring out what exactly was going on? My key memories during covid were:

Being surrounded by a strong community of friends in Tamale while social distancing
Having a job offer in February 2020 and then very quickly I didn’t because the project was affected by international travel restrictions and Ghana’s borders closed over one weekend in March
Thankfully no lockdowns in Tamale, but I didn’t actually leave Tamale for the entire year which wasn’t incredibly difficult but just strange to think about
Continuing to work in person and remotely with Hopin Academy – an entrepreneurship incubator while they adjusted their incubator cohorts to the new social distancing guidelines once international borders were closed

Posted on May 22, 2019February 17, 2025 by Sofia — Leave a comment

Empowering Women, One Soybean at a Time: My Time with GROW

GROW with MEDA – Tamale, Ghana Sept 2017 – April 2019

As the Close Out Coordinator for the final 18 months of MEDA’s Greater Rural Opportunities for Women (GROW) project, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of empowering rural women in Northern Ghana. While my role was office-centered, contrasting with my prior field experiences (WorldCover, Saha Global and my USAID Externship) , I recognized the vital role of robust administration and logistics in project success. I project managed the closeout process of the program and operations of GROW, a Canadian funded agriculture and women’s empowerment project that trained over 23,000 women farmers on how to grow and process soybean as a crop to feed and support their families livelihoods. These farmers were also trained on how to engage with markets more effectively to get the best price for their harvest. In this role, I came in to create an organizational system of HR documentation for internal staff and then quickly took on more responsibilities collecting supporting financial documentation from local partner organizations for the Canadian HQ finance team to overseeing the close out of the project until the very last day. As I look through my phone’s photo albums over the past 18 months some key moment come to mind:

Organized resume, interviewing and job search workshops for local staff and connected them to other resources to aid in their transition after their time with MEDA.
Organized two financial training workshops for five local partner organizations financial teams
Attending a land tenure meeting at the House of Chiefs about women’s access to land in Northern Ghana
Managed the transition of remaining physical assets of value to local women’s organizations
Assisted in the implementation of final GROW Technology Fair with program and administrative teams
Dealt with logistics after an unexpected safety and security incident on our way to Wa for a weeklong training
Attended a week long safety and security training on emergency response in rural areas which was really practical and hands on

In a time when movements like #TimesUp and #MeToo were highlighting the global struggle for women’s rights, GROW was actively making a difference on the ground. The project’s focus on improving food security by supporting over 21,000 women soybean farmers was not just about increasing yields; it was about building a foundation for lasting economic independence and social change. From facilitating access to farming technology like MotorKing motorized tricycles to engaging Male Gender Activists (MGAs) to promote gender equality, GROW took a holistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges faced by these women.

One of the most impactful aspects of GROW was its focus on nutrition and value-added processing. Through workshops and training, women learned how to diversify their soybean products, turning raw soybeans into nutritious and marketable goods. I had the chance to interview Rahama Mahama, a mother of four. She exemplifies this transformation. Before GROW, her farming efforts struggled to meet her family’s basic needs. But after participating in the program’s nutritional training, she started processing and selling soya kebabs, significantly increasing her income and improving her family’s standard of living. Rahama’s story, and the stories of countless other women, highlighted the importance of not only increasing agricultural production but also empowering women to become entrepreneurs and take control of their financial destinies.

As we approached the project’s conclusion, I was struck by the lasting impact GROW had made on these communities. The project’s work in advocating for women’s land tenure rights, a crucial step towards long-term sustainability, was particularly significant. Witnessing the dialogue between Chiefs, landowners, and GROW farmers was a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement in driving social change. While the UN’s International Women’s Day theme “Time is Now” resonated deeply, I knew that the changes we were seeing were the result of seven years of dedicated work. GROW’s multi-faceted approach, focusing on skills training, gender sensitization, and community empowerment, had laid the groundwork for a brighter future for women in Northern Ghana.

Posted on July 20, 2018February 17, 2025 by Sofia — Leave a comment

A Seat at the Table: Witnessing Change at the GROW Land Tenure Meeting

GROW Greater Rural Opportunities for Women at MEDA – July 2018

In July 2018, I had the privilege of witnessing a pivotal moment in the fight for women’s land rights in Northern Ghana as part of the GROW project. Attending the Land Tenure Advocacy Meeting hosted by the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs was an experience that underscored the project’s commitment to creating lasting change. Seeing 26 Chiefs and 25 Queen Mothers gather to discuss increasing land rights for women was a powerful testament to the project’s impact and the growing recognition of women’s crucial role in agriculture. The energy in the room was palpable, a mix of determination and hope, as traditional leaders engaged in a dialogue that challenged long-standing norms.

The meeting was expertly facilitated, with key figures like Karen Walsh, the GROW Country Project Manager, and Rev. Father Clement Mweyang Aapengnuo, a strong advocate for land tenure rights, providing valuable insights. Eric Dalinpuo, GROW’s Gender Coordinator, skillfully guided the discussion, ensuring that the gendered dimensions of land access were thoroughly explored. The open dialogue that ensued was remarkable. Despite the scheduled coffee break, attendees remained engaged, eager to share their experiences and concerns. This demonstrated a genuine commitment to addressing the issue and a willingness to challenge the status quo. The President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs even spoke about the need to eliminate outdated traditional practices to build a more equitable society.

The meeting highlighted the complex issue of land ownership in Ghana, where communal land tenure systems often leave women vulnerable and insecure. The lack of female Chiefs and the prevailing power imbalance further exacerbate these challenges. The goal of drafting a Communique to secure longer access to land for GROW women was a testament to the project’s dedication to creating tangible change. While time constraints prevented the Communique’s immediate completion, the Chiefs’ commitment to drafting it soon after the meeting was a significant step forward. Seeing a draft delivered to MEDA within a week demonstrated a level of responsiveness that was truly encouraging. As the GROW project neared its conclusion, it was clear that the seeds of change had been planted, and the momentum for women’s land rights was growing. This meeting served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in driving social and economic empowerment for women in Northern Ghana.

Posted on February 17, 2015February 17, 2025 by Sofia — Leave a comment

Saha Global Leadership Program

Tamale, Ghana – Dec 2014 – January 2015

Me posing with the 3 Women Water Entrepreneurs standing next to the polytank stand we constructed (Adamu, Jamila and Sikina)

As a field representative with Saha Global, being a part of the launch of the new water business in Kpanshegu was a profound experience. After 3 weeks of preparation, training, and community engagement, seeing the first buckets of clean water flow was truly remarkable. It wasn’t just about the technology; it was about the tangible impact on people’s lives. We worked closely with Adamu, Jamila, and Sikina, three incredible women who embraced the challenge of operating the water treatment center. From teaching them the simple science of alum coagulation to assembling the safe storage buckets, every step was a collaborative effort, filled with shared learning and genuine excitement.

The process itself was a testament to the power of simple solutions. We started with the murky dugout water, a common water source in the village, and transformed it into crystal-clear drinking water. Seeing the villagers’ faces light up as they witnessed this transformation was incredibly rewarding. It wasn’t just about providing clean water to 71 households; it was about empowering the community with the knowledge and tools to sustain it. The women of Kpanshegu demonstrated their resourcefulness and determination, quickly mastering the techniques and taking ownership of their new business.

This experience in Kpanshegu is a small part of a larger story – Saha Global’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs and bringing essential services to underserved communities. With 74 water businesses now operating and serving nearly 40,000 people, the impact is undeniable. As field representatives, we’re not just implementing projects; we’re building relationships, fostering independence, and witnessing the positive ripple effect of sustainable solutions. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to our departing colleagues, but we’re thrilled to welcome new entrepreneurs like those in Kpanshegu, continuing the journey of transforming lives, one village at a time.