The ripple effects of women in the supply chain

Gender equality is a precondition for advancing development and reducing poverty. When women are empowered, families and communities thrive, paving the way for a brighter future. At UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, the women in supply chain management are not only breaking barriers for gender equality in the supply chain system; they are creating ripple effects of change. They are championing new paths to deliver life-saving sexual and reproductive health supplies to millions worldwide, empowering women and young people with choice and agency. 

On this International Women’s Day, meet four UNFPA Supply Chain Champions and join us in celebrating the ripple effects of women in the supply chain.
 

MEET BARBARA BONNY, SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALIST, UNFPA CAMEROON COUNTRY OFFICE
 

 

 

“Challenge yourself, learn from past experiences and take obstacles as a means to grow and improve the supply chain system.” 
 

 

 

Barbara is a transformative force within Cameroon's supply chain landscape. With her kind and strong leadership, she empowers her team to navigate and solve complex challenges. Barbara has fostered open communication channels, implemented new efficient supply chain management systems, and instilled a culture of continuous learning with her team. Not only does she inspire internally, but her expertise and work also ripples outwards. Barbara’s strong technical knowledge and collaborative spirit has strengthened the supply chain management between partners, driving a responsive and resilient supply chain system to reach women and adolescents in Cameroon.
 

MEET LIDIA PORTO, HEAD OF COUNTRY SUPPORT, UNFPA SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT UNIT
 

 

“Every single piece of the supply chain is necessary and no role is too small to make a difference. In the supply chain, each one of us, every function, is an essential piece of something greater.”
 

 

 

Lidia’s dedication to supply chain efficiency shines through her transformative leadership of the Last Mile Assurance (LMA) process. She led the transformation of LMA into a supply chain function that is owned and driven by countries, and focuses on capacity building and supply chain systems strengthening. Lidia also fosters a collaborative team and promotes cross-regional engagement, breaking down silos and encouraging open communication. Her strong leadership drives a responsive and capacitated supply chain system that reaches the right communities with essential sexual and reproductive health supplies at the last mile.
 

MEET DANIELLE JURMAN, HUMANITARIAN SUPPLIES ANALYST, HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE DIVISION
 

 

“The resilience and spirit of the people we serve continue to inspire my work, reminding me of the urgency and importance of what we do.” 
 

 

 

 

Danielle's unique combination of technical expertise and strong networking skills makes her an invaluable partner in complex humanitarian emergencies. During the early response to the Gaza crisis, her leadership and guidance were instrumental in navigating logistics, identifying critical supplies, ensuring responsiveness, and laying the foundation for a sustainable plan. Even under immense pressure, Danielle provides UNFPA country offices and partners with relevant, timely and targeted assistance, finding ever-evolving solutions to deliver life-saving sexual and reproductive health supplies to women and adolescents in humanitarian emergencies. 
 

MEET MARIEM NAJI, SUPPLY CHAIN SPECIALIST, UNFPA WEST & CENTRAL AFRICA REGIONAL OFFICE 
 

 

 

“In an area where access to healthcare and gender equality are persistent challenges, diverse perspectives and innovative solutions are more necessary than ever.”

 

 

 

Mariem is a true transformer. In a short span of time, she has led remarkable positive changes to build a responsive and resilient supply chain system in the West and Central Africa region. Leveraging her technical expertise and passion for the UNFPA mandate, her impact ripples through improved programming, strengthened interventions, and implementing partner accountability. But Mariem's influence transcends regional borders; her innovative approach sets a blueprint for other regions and countries to follow, improving supply chain management on a broader level, championing access to reproductive health supplies for more women and young people.

 

The four Supply Chain Champions are just some of the countless women making a difference in the UNFPA supply chain. By celebrating their achievements, we celebrate the ripple effects of all women in the supply chain who empower millions with choice, agency and access to life-saving reproductive health supplies.