Havushe Bunjaku, the founder of “99 Lule,” discussed the journey of her enterprise on the podcast “Rrugëtimi.” She shared that the business originated from her expertise in medicinal and aromatic plants. Today, “99 Lule” supports over 75 women through regular contracts. Bunjaku recounted that establishing the enterprise was challenging, citing instances where potential collaborators were initially resistant.
One woman reportedly told her that her “spirit left her from agriculture,” and in other cases, the women were reluctant to sign agreements themselves, with the men signing on their behalf. Despite these early hurdles, the tangible income generated through the work proved to be a turning point. Bunjaku noted that the women became empowered as they earned an income through their own efforts and labor.
The podcast episode detailed how “99 Lule” was developed and the process by which these women integrated into the business model. The success of “99 Lule” demonstrates a transition from specialized botanical knowledge to a sustainable enterprise that directly employs and empowers local women.
Topics: #business #lule #women
