Advancing Women’s Health and Social Enterprise – The Distinctive Path of Wubit T Hailemichael

-Wubit T Hailemichael’s journey as a social entrepreneur is not just a story of innovation and impact, but also one marked by significant recognition at the highest levels. As co-founder of The Happy Sisters Company, alongside her sister, Wubit’s dedication to women’s health and sustainable period care has earned her and her team a series of prestigious awards and honors, validating the transformative power of their work.

A defining moment in Wubit’s career came in 2022, when she and her sister were invited to the Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. There, they were honored as African female leaders and recognized for their work with Happy Pads by Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady of the United States. Speaking at this high-profile event, Wubit and her sister shared their journey and the impact of Happy Pads, marking a milestone that underscored the global importance of their mission. This recognition was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the movement they helped create-a movement focused on empowering women and addressing period poverty through sustainable innovation.

Wubit’s leadership has also been acknowledged by major international organizations. Happy Pads was selected for business incubation by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), accelerated by FIPEE UNIDO Italy, and recognized by Techstars. The company was named a winner from Ethiopia in the FIPEE UNIDO Italy program and received the BeChangeMaker 2022 award, further establishing its leadership in the field. These accolades are more than just trophies; they are validation of the company’s original approach to menstrual health and its commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additional honors include recognition from World Skills and Ocean Hub Africa, as well as invitations to speak at international forums. These achievements highlight Wubit’s ability to innovate, lead, and drive change at a global scale. Her story demonstrates how local action-rooted in empathy and resourcefulness-can resonate worldwide and inspire broader movements for social good.

The recognition received by Wubit and her sister at the Africa Leaders Summit, particularly from Dr. Jill Biden, stands as a highlight of their journey. It is a reminder that visionary leadership, when combined with a clear mission and relentless determination, can capture the world’s attention and catalyze meaningful progress.

These awards and recognitions are not just symbols of personal success; they are validation of a broader movement. Wubit’s leadership has contributed to raising awareness about period poverty and environmental sustainability, both in Ethiopia and internationally. Her work has also been recognized by World Skills and Ocean Hub Africa, further cementing her status as a global change maker.

Through these achievements, Wubit has demonstrated her ability to innovate, lead, and drive meaningful change. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates, showing that local action can lead to global recognition. The recognition by Dr. Jill Biden (First Lady of the United States of America) at the Africa Leaders Summit, in particular, stands as a highlight of her career and a testament to the power of perseverance and vision.