Introduction: Valency Agro, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) unit, has been working with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to support and promote their liquid soap business. During his recent visit to Nigeria, the ESG/CSR head had the opportunity to meet with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) who expressed concerns about their struggling liquid soap business. The SHGs shared that they were facing challenges with poor sales, which was hindering their ability to generate income. In response to this, Dr. Uttam Sur collaborated with Mr. Trilochan and Mr. Srinivas to address the issue at hand. Through their efforts, market linkages were established to connect the SHGs with potential customers, ultimately leading to a significant increase in sales. The CSR unit facilitated market linkages for the SHGs, which has resulted in a significant increase in sales for the SHGs. Previous Sales Performance: Prior to the market linkage facilitated by Valency Agro's CSR unit, the SHGs were only able to sell 7-10 litres of liquid soap among themselves in a month. With 10 litres of liquid soap production giving a revenue of N6000 per month, the SHGs were facing limitations in scaling up their business due to lack of access to a wider market. Impact of Market Linkages: After the intervention of Valency Agro's CSR unit, the SHGs were able to sell 90 litres of liquid soap in the month of April 2024. This significant increase in sales has boosted the production of liquid soap to N54,000 per month. The market linkages provided by the CSR unit have opened up new opportunities for the SHGs to expand their customer base and increase their sales revenue substantially. Therefore, the percentage increase in sales for the SHGs' liquid soap business after the market linkages facilitated by Valency Agro's CSR unit is 800%. This significant growth in sales reflects the positive impact of the CSR initiatives in empowering and supporting the SHGs in expanding their business. bridging the gap between producers and consumers, the SHGs were able to thrive and expand their business while increasing their overall income. This success story serves as a shining example of how strategic partnerships and support from the CSR unit can drive positive change and empower communities for sustainable growth.

On March 8th, at Valency International – Côte d’Ivoire, Women's Day wasn't just a date on the calendar; it was a celebration that echoed throughout the halls and offices of the company. As the world commemorated the achievements and struggles of women, Valency made sure to honor its female employees in a memorable way. The day began with a buzz of excitement as women arrived at the office, greeted by cheerful decorations adorning the walls and desks. As the morning progressed, the aroma of delicious food wafted through the corridors, drawing everyone towards the cafeteria. To the delight of the women, a special spread had been prepared, featuring a variety of local and international dishes to tantalize their taste buds. From traditional Ivorian cuisine to gourmet delights, there was something to please every palate. The country head of Valency Ivory Coast took to the stage, expressing gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the female employees. He spoke passionately about the importance of gender equality and the need to empower women in the workplace and beyond. Each woman was presented with a personalized gift as a healthy food from the company—a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Smiles lit up faces as they unwrapped their presents, feeling truly valued and recognized. Finally, it was time for the highlight of the celebration—the cake cutting ceremony. With joyous cheers, the women gathered around as the country head, alongside the longest-serving female employee, ceremoniously cut the cake. As the day came to a close, the women of Valency International Trading left with hearts full of pride and appreciation. It wasn't just a celebration; it was a reaffirmation of their importance and a reminder of the progress yet to be made.

Overall, the celebration of International Women's Day by Valency Agro Nigeria was a huge success, with a focus on the theme of "Inspire Inclusion." The event brought together more than 500 women from the community to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in various fields. The opening ceremony set the tone for the day with a welcome address by the host and an introduction to the theme of "Inspire Inclusion." A keynote speech emphasized the importance of inclusive practices for women and highlighted the significance of International Women's Day. The entertainments segment of the event featured music and dance performances by women from different departments, showcasing their talents and skills. The event also included a recognition of outstanding achievements by women and their leaders, as well as awards presented to individuals. The closing ceremony summarized the day's events and key takeaways, concluding with a thank you speech and appreciation for all those who made the event possible. Refreshments were provided to all attendees, creating a festive atmosphere of celebration and empowerment. Overall, the celebration of International Women's Day by Valency Agro Nigeria was a powerful and inspiring event that highlighted the importance of inclusivity and the achievements of women in society. It served as a reminder to continue working towards gender equality and empowering women in all aspects of life.