Background

The Ananda Group invests in entrepreneurs who are empowering consumers to adopt an ethical, healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle, without the use of animals. Created and led by women, Ananda is an organization that invests in and supports the plant-based sector in Mexico which is a young sector with predominantly women participating.

 

In 2020, Ananda benefited from the research and insights from a Harvard Kennedy School team as a result of their partnership with Women Forward International. The main recommendations from the HKS team include: a) support for plant-based networks and associations; b) investment towards gender-specific programming; and c) further investment in advocacy and public relations partnerships. 

 

Deliverables & Impact

With the support of WFI, Ananda proceeded with the recommendation to support plant-based business networks by spearheading the incorporation of a non-profit association that brings together this early-stage, mission-driven and majority women-led sector: the Association of Vegan Entrepreneurs of Mexico (EVM).

​

EVM provides:

• Information and training specifically designed for entrepreneurs in the plant-based sector, as well as events that connect them to the global industry and latest developments; 

• Initiatives such as the Mesa Redonda program that promotes the recovery of the plant-based industry from the Covid crisis and supports vulnerable groups including women migrants and indigenous women who have suffered from violence; and

• A platform for networking, cross-learning and mutual support among entrepreneurs.

 

EVM is also implementing the HKS team’s recommendation regarding gender-specific programming through the development of trainings and events designed for women entrepreneurs in the Mexican plant-based sector, where around 75% of businesses have women founders.  We have launched a scholarship campaign in collaboration with the leading business academy for women in Mexico, Victoria 147, to encourage the development of business skills, knowledge and connections among women entrepreneurs, supporting the growth of their businesses and women leadership in the sector.

 

EVM believes that through collaboration among members, the sector will accomplish projects with greater impact for the benefit of humanity, animals and the planet.  By supporting women’s leadership in the sector, EVM aims to encourage principles of regeneration, compassion, nurture, cooperation and collective wellbeing to play an increasing role in the way we run our businesses, we make choices as consumers and we take on our shared responsibility for a healthy and harmonious world.