Algeria's All-Female Hackathon Just Launched 106 Blue Economy Startups—And This Fishermen-Tech Project Won Big

Discover how women are reshaping the future of aquaculture and driving innovation in the face of traditional barriers.

Welcome to this edition, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in entrepreneurship and innovation. This time, we delve into the inspiring stories emerging from Algeria's She’BlueHack, a groundbreaking event that showcased the talents of female entrepreneurs in the Blue Economy. With a record 106 project submissions, one innovative fishermen-tech project stood out. What does this remarkable success tell us about the future of women-led entrepreneurship in traditionally male-dominated sectors? Join us as we explore the answers and more!

🚀 Startup of the Week: She’BlueHack

• Industry: Aquaculture and Marine Innovation

• Founder: Fatma Zohra Dahamni, a prominent advocate for women in tech and entrepreneurship, led the recent She’BlueHack hackathon with a strong focus on marine sectors and sustainable practices. She has a background in marine biotechnology and has actively contributed to various initiatives aimed at empowering women.

• Recent Achievement: She’BlueHack, held on March 8, 2025, received an impressive 106 project submissions exclusively from women, indicating a growing interest in female entrepreneurship within traditionally male-dominated fields. Fatma Zohra Dahamni herself won first place with a project that utilizes new technologies to inform fishermen about the presence of cetaceans in fishing areas, showcasing innovative solutions for the fishing industry. This initiative is part of the European Union-funded Blue Economy program, aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation in marine sectors. Source

• Location: Algeria

🚀 Startup of the Week: Women in India's Healthcare Sector

• Industry: Healthcare

• Founder: Gauri Navalkar, Dr. Smita Naram, and Dr. Jayashree Aiyar are leading voices in the healthcare sector, each with extensive experience in medicine and healthcare management. Their insightful approaches to diverse perspectives cultivate collaborative environments that improve patient outcomes.

• Recent Achievement: Celebrating the contributions of women in healthcare, the article highlighted that nearly 30% of doctors in India are women, and they constitute 80% of nursing staff. However, they face systemic barriers in leadership, earning 34% less than their male counterparts. The leaders emphasized the need for mentorship and stronger networks to enhance female representation in high-paying specialties. Source

• Location: India

🚀 Startup of the Week: Women Entrepreneurs in Anhui

• Industry: Diverse Industries

• Founder: Pei Yuwen and Cai Xia played pivotal roles in organizing an event focused on female entrepreneurship in Anhui. They are recognized for their significant contributions to fostering innovation and collaboration among women in various sectors.

• Recent Achievement: On March 8, 2025, the 'Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development' event was successfully held, showcasing innovative discussions on development strategies, including the integration of AI in business. The event aimed to empower female entrepreneurs by enhancing resource connections with government initiatives. Source

• Location: Tunxi District, Anhui

🚀 Startup of the Week: Celebrating Women's Achievements in Social Services

• Industry: Social Services and Community Development

• Founder: Engaged female leaders in Pengzhou showcased their impact in community development through various initiatives emphasizing rural revitalization and social innovation.

• Recent Achievement: On March 8, an event under the theme 'Pengpai City: Shining Her' celebrated women’s accomplishments, featuring awards for outstanding female representatives, highlighting both economic and social impacts. This event underscored the significant role women play in local development and their transformative power in society. Source

• Location: Pengzhou, China

🌟 Why It Matters

The empowerment of women in entrepreneurship is crucial for driving innovation and fostering diverse leadership across industries. This is exemplified by initiatives like the She’BlueHack hackathon, which showcased the immense potential of women in the aquaculture sector. Founded by Fatma Zohra Dahamni, the event achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving 106 project submissions exclusively from women on March 8, 2025. Beyond numbers, this initiative reflects a shift in a traditionally male-dominated field, illustrating how female-led efforts can lead to innovative solutions that enhance marine practices and promote sustainability. Dahamni's focus on leveraging technology to improve fishing efficiency demonstrates a leadership style that not only seeks to challenge the status quo but also fosters a collaborative community of innovators.

Similarly, the efforts of female leaders in India's healthcare sector, like Gauri Navalkar, Dr. Smita Naram, and Dr. Jayashree Aiyar, highlight the critical contributions women make in medical professions where they constitute nearly 30% of doctors and 80% of nurses. Their experiences emphasize the importance of mentorship and networking in breaking down systemic barriers faced by women in leadership roles. Despite their significant presence, they earn 34% less than their male counterparts, underscoring the need for inclusive policies that support female advancement (source: Breaking Barriers, Driving Innovation and Shaping the Future).

Furthermore, events like the 'Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development' in Anhui, organized by Pei Yuwen and Cai Xia, are vital in empowering female entrepreneurs from diverse industries. By focusing on innovation and collaboration, they create platforms for women to exchange resources and strategies, demonstrating the collective strength of women in business (source: Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development).

Lastly, events honoring women's achievements in community development, like the 'Pengpai City: Shining Her' initiative in Pengzhou, showcase the profound impact female leaders have on social progress and economic growth. Recognizing their contributions serves as an inspiration not only to other women but also to the broader community to foster an environment where diverse perspectives can thrive (source: Pengpai City: Shining Her).

In conclusion, the collective efforts of women across various sectors not only challenge industry norms but also pave the way for a more diverse and equitable future. Their leadership is invaluable in creating innovative solutions that drive social change and inspire future generations of female entrepreneurs.

🏆 Key Milestones

• She’BlueHack Hackathon Success: The She’BlueHack event, held on March 8, 2025, showcased the growing interest in female entrepreneurship in the aquaculture sector with an impressive 106 project submissions from women. Organizer Fatma Zohra Dahamni won first place for her innovative project using technology to inform fishermen about cetacean presence, aligning with the European Union's Blue Economy program objectives. Source

• Celebrating Women in Healthcare: Women constitute nearly 30% of medical doctors and 80% of nurses in India, albeit facing systemic barriers such as earning significantly less than their male counterparts. The leadership of Gauri Navalkar, Dr. Smita Naram, and Dr. Jayashree Aiyar was recently highlighted as key contributors to improving patient outcomes, advocating for stronger support networks to enhance women's representation in leadership roles within healthcare. Source

• Empowering Female Entrepreneurs in Anhui: The 'Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development' event on March 8, 2025, brought female entrepreneurs together to focus on innovation and the application of AI in business strategies. This initiative is a testament to the growing collaboration among female leaders like Pei Yuwen and Cai Xia, aiming to strengthen resource connections between entrepreneurs and government initiatives. Source

📈 Market Impact

The impact of female-led startups on their respective industries is profound, demonstrating innovation and strategic positioning that set them apart from competitors.

She’BlueHack, led by Fatma Zohra Dahamni, is revolutionizing the aquaculture sector in Algeria by directly addressing the traditional barriers to female participation in marine industries. This initiative stands out due to its unique approach of exclusively showcasing projects submitted by women, with 106 entries noted at its recent hackathon held on March 8, 2025. The hackathon not only highlights the capabilities of women in tech and entrepreneurship but also focuses on sustainable practices within the marine economy, utilizing cutting-edge technology like predictive analytics to inform fishermen about cetacean presence in their fishing areas. This innovative solution serves to optimize fishing efficiency while promoting ocean conservation, positioning She’BlueHack as a leader in a male-dominated field. Source

In India's healthcare sector, women represent a significant force, accounting for nearly 30% of doctors and 80% of nurses. However, despite these numbers, they face formidable challenges in leadership roles, exemplified by the experiences of leaders like Gauri Navalkar, Dr. Smita Naram, and Dr. Jayashree Aiyar. Their collective efforts not only emphasize mentorship but also seek to develop supportive networks that enhance women's leadership in high-paying specialties. Their commitment to collaboration and innovative practices demonstrates a competitive edge in improving patient outcomes, illuminating how diverse perspectives can drive healthcare advancements. Addressing the gender pay gap and leadership disparities remains a crucial focus for these leaders as they advocate for systemic improvements in the industry. Source

Furthermore, the event titled "Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development” in Anhui illustrates the strategic importance of collaboration and innovation among female leaders across diverse sectors. Spearheaded by Pei Yuwen and Cai Xia, the event aimed to integrate AI applications into business strategies, promoting resource connections between female entrepreneurs and government initiatives. By fostering a platform for discussion on high-quality development, these leaders impact not only their immediate industries but also contribute to a broader acknowledgment of women's roles in entrepreneurship, shaping economic growth in the region. Source

Collectively, these initiatives exemplify how female-led startups are not only carving out substantial market positions but also driving meaningful socio-economic change. By nurturing an environment of inclusivity, innovation, and strategic collaboration, these leaders are significantly shaping their industries while paving the way for future generations of women entrepreneurs.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow and Share: Stay connected with the incredible initiatives led by women in various sectors. For example, support the achievements of the She’BlueHack hackathon in Algeria by following updates from Fatma Zohra Dahamni and the Blue Economy program. Follow their journey on social media to amplify their impact — She’BlueHack Initiative.

• Inspire Future Entrepreneurs: Share inspiring stories of female leaders in healthcare like Gauri Navalkar, Dr. Smita Naram, and Dr. Jayashree Aiyar, who are breaking barriers and advocating for mentorship in a field where women comprise nearly 30% of doctors and 80% of nursing staff. Highlight their journey to motivate other aspiring women in healthcare — Breaking Barriers, Driving Innovation and Shaping the Future.

• Engage with Local Initiatives: Support community development efforts led by female entrepreneurs in Anhui, like Pei Yuwen and Cai Xia, who recently organized the 'Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development' event focusing on innovation and AI integration. Engage with local chapters or initiatives that reflect similar values and promote gender inclusivity — Women Entrepreneurs Sharing High-Quality Development.

By taking these steps, you can actively contribute to fostering an environment of support and growth for female-led startups across diverse industries.