Title of the presentation: Business Model Innovation to Support Rural Female Entrepreneurship: Evidence from the off-grid energy sector in Uganda 
Name of the Conference: Babson College Diana International Research Conference (DIRC)
Date of the presentation: 02.07.2025
Location of the conference:  The Aotearoa Centre for Enterprising Women at the University of Auckland, New Zealand
 

During the first week of July 2025, I had the privilege of attending the highly esteemed Babson College Diana International Research Institute (DIRI) Conference at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Enterprising Women. At this same conference I got the pleasure of presenting my paper, titled “Business Model Innovation to Support Rural Female Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Energy Companies in Uganda,” of which I was deeply honoured when it was selected as the Best Paper fitting this year’s theme, “Entrepreneurship at the Edge.” This recognition, which I proudly share with my co-author Tonny Kukeera, means a great deal to us, especially as the work sheds light on the persistent challenges companies face in rural areas when striving to advance Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

The conference not only provided a platform to share our research but also gave me invaluable feedback and fresh perspectives that will significantly shape and strengthen my doctoral project going forward. In particular, the sessions on inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems offered both theoretical depth and practical relevance, helping me reframe parts of my research questions and methodology.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Philipp Trotter, for his unwavering support and mentorship—this work would not have been possible without his guidance. My sincere gratitude also goes to the Robke Fonds Foundation for generously supporting my participation, and to the Centre for Graduate Studies (ZGS) at Bergische Universität Wuppertal for their continued encouragement and facilitation of such enriching academic engagements.

A warm thank you to the organisers from Babson College and the University of Auckland for putting together another impactful and seamless DIRI conference.

Finally, a small anecdote from the trip: One of the most enriching aspects of the conference was the way it acknowledged and celebrated Māori culture, the Indigenous culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. In particular, the values of mana wāhine (the strength, authority, and dignity of women) and whakawhanaungatanga (relationship-building) deeply resonated with the themes of our research on female entrepreneurship. Hearing about Indigenous approaches to women’s leadership, resilience, and community-driven innovation reminded me that empowering women, especially in rural areas, is not just about giving rural women tools or funding—it's also about recognising their cultural identities and strengthening the social ecosystems that empower them

Thank you again to everyone who made this journey possible and meaningful.