Can Women Transform Iraq Through Green Entrepreneurship? | Marwa Alnuaimi | TEDxBaghdadWomen

Marwa Alnuaimi's Background and Inspiration

• Marwa Alnuaimi grew up in a home with a large garden where her family grew their own food and composted their leftovers. (1m13s)
• After moving away and returning in 2018, Alnuaimi found it difficult to find work in her field of engineering. (3m31s)
• Alnuaimi is a mother of two who has been learning about the job market since returning to Iraq. (3m45s)
• Marwa Alnuaimi was inspired by a man who told her he collects bread and dates because they are easy to eat even after getting wet. (7m44s)

Food Waste and Environmental Issues in Iraq

• In 2019, there was a noticeable increase in food waste in Iraq, with people scavenging for sustenance in garbage. (4m32s)
• One in five children in Iraq lack access to education and consequently, food. (5m57s)
• According to recent statistics, each person generates 1.5 kilograms of waste daily, with 58% being compostable organic waste. (6m7s)
• There was a desire to find solutions for air, soil, and groundwater pollution. (10m52s)

The Start and Growth of Green Gold

• Alnuaimi started a composting experiment in her home using a pickle bucket to hold food scraps and garden waste. (8m36s)
• After moving to a new house, Alnuaimi expanded her composting efforts and lab analysis showed the compost contained 80% organic matter. (10m26s)
• Marwa Alnuaimi acquired a farm in Al-Doura to develop a business focused on waste management. (11m7s)
• Alnuaimi participated in a Startup Weekend program, winning first place and the EIPA award for entrepreneurship, which led to her representing Iraq in Amsterdam for agricultural entrepreneurship. (12m33s)
• Marwa Alnuaimi transformed a 5-ton loss into a 120-unit farm on a 4-dunam plot of land with limited resources. (14m32s)

Alnuaimi's Hands-On Approach and Determination

• Alnuaimi learned to operate a tractor and perform all the tasks on the farm herself, rejecting the role of a manager. (14m40s)
• Alnuaimi's green initiatives, which began in 2018, initially faced skepticism and laughter, with people questioning the possibility of change in Iraq. (15m20s)
• Women are capable of achieving anything with determination and a sense of responsibility. (17m30s)

Green Gold's Products and Impact

• Green Gold products, made from waste materials, are being distributed to more than five provinces. (18m11s)
• Jojo, a character representing the journey of Green Gold, plays a crucial role in improving and developing the products, enhancing their effectiveness and nitrogen content. (18m20s)
• Animal waste is turned into tablets called "matal," which is used as a fuel source and is environmentally friendly. (19m47s)