We receive our big UNHCR award in Geneva

Following our incredible UNHCR win for innovation earlier this year, our founder and CEO Taban Shoresh was thrilled to pick up the award at a major event in Geneva.

During the 2022 UNHCR-NGO Global Consultations event, Taban received recognition for our Women’s Business Incubator project, which provides business grants and training for women to start their own small businesses.

Taban was also invited to take part in an expert panel on women-led organisations at the event, which was based around two main themes of localisation and climate action.

Taban, third from right, received our award

The UNHCR singled out our Incubator for its innovative qualities in enabling vulnerable women to earn a sustainable income, so that they can support themselves and their families, and move out of poverty.

As you can see in the video of the panel below, Taban spoke about her reasons for launching the Lotus Flower and the importance of working locally with women and girls. She also explained the challenges we face, and our need for longer term support to achieve our goals.

The Global Consultations event emphasised the growing need to empower national and local humanitarian action and move towards greater localisation – where organisations are run by those most affected. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this approach even more important, as local people are often better placed to provide support and services in areas where outside organisations have limited or restricted access.

We were so proud to have been involved, and thank the organisers for recognising our work…