By: Clifford Okyere
In the remote villages of northern Ghana, where access to basic sanitation facilities was a distant dream for many, one woman has emerged as a beacon of hope. Meet Adam Adamu Azumpaga, a 32-year-old mother of two, who defied the odds and became a trailblazer in the sanitation entrepreneurship industry.
Adam’s journey to becoming a sanitation entrepreneur was rooted in her humble beginnings, which has gracefully landed her an honouree recognition during iDE’s 40th anniversary’s 40 Under 40 Campaign to recognize 40 exceptional entrepreneurs making significant impact in their developing world communities, playing a crucial role in the fight against poverty.
Growing up in a family of seven, she witnessed the struggles her mother endured to provide for the family. Determined to lighten her mother’s burden, Adam embarked on various odd jobs, even during her holidays, to support her education and help her younger siblings. With sheer determination, she completed teacher training college and became a teacher, taking on the responsibility of caring for her family’s education.
However, the weight of financial responsibilities pushed Adam to explore additional avenues for income. She began producing breakfast flour for sale, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. It was during this time that fate intervened, as a friend introduced her to SamaSama, an organization dedicated to improving sanitation in Ghana. Intrigued by the opportunity to make a difference, Adam decided to delve into the sanitation entrepreneurship industry.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Adam faced numerous challenges. She often encountered skepticism from both men and women, who questioned her ability to juggle her work and domestic responsibilities. However, she turned these challenges into opportunities to enlighten others about the importance of having toilets in households to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation. Her persistence paid off, and today, many middle-income earners in her community have embraced the necessity of owning a toilet.
Adam’s work as an entrepreneur in the sanitation sector has not only transformed her own life but has also had a profound impact on the standard of living in northern rural communities. Through her company, she has been able to employ several individuals who were previously unemployed, providing them with a source of income to support their families. Adam’s leadership has inspired those around her, and the number of toilet business owners working under SamaSama has grown to over 150, positively affecting countless lives.
Embracing her role as a role model for other women, Adam has become an inspiration to her own daughter and the women in her community. She has shattered stereotypes and proved that women can thrive in any industry, regardless of societal expectations. By empowering other women through her work, she is paving the way for a future where gender equality and self-sufficiency prevail.
Adam adamantly upholds that her work aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6.2, which emphasizes universal access to safely managed sanitation services. Through her efforts, open defecation has significantly decreased in northern Ghana, improving the overall health and well-being of communities. She firmly believes that owning a toilet is not just a want but a fundamental need, highlighting the dangers associated with unsanitary conditions.
Reflecting on her journey, Adam acknowledges the remarkable transformation she has experienced since starting her entrepreneurial venture in 2018. From being a low-income earner, she has now risen to become a middle-income earner, capable of fulfilling her family’s needs. With a bright future ahead, Adam envisions her business, Rida Enterprise, flourishing as the leading sanitation industry in Ghana. She aspires to employ thousands of determined and empowered female workers, liberating them from dependence on men for financial support.
When asked about advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women seeking to create change through innovative business solutions, Adam’s words are filled with wisdom and conviction. She urges women to discard laziness, embrace their passions, and fearlessly pursue their interests, no matter how unconventional they may seem. By working with love, truthfulness, and unwavering dedication, she believes that women can surpass all boundaries and achieve greatness.
In her next life and beyond, Adamu emphatically states that she would choose to be a sanitation entrepreneur once again because Cleanliness, in her eyes, is a virtue close to godliness, and she embraces the opportunity to be a catalyst for change, both in this life and the next.
Adam’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the profound impact one individual can have on a community. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, she is building a brighter future, one toilet at a time, and leaving an indelible mark on the journey to end poverty.
