Governance

A rigorous, transparent, and strategic framework 

Governance

Mabele Ya Bozui is managed in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance that are characteristic of the Belgian nonprofit sector.

 

 

The association is governed by a board of directors responsible for:

– compliance with the bylaws and founding values,

– the strategic coherence of actions,

– rigorous resource management,

– the development of institutional and professional partnerships.

 

 

Its governance ensures legal compliance, strategic consistency, and commitment to its mission: to strengthen the leadership of African women entrepreneurs in the natural cosmetics, perfumery, wellness, and sustainable agriculture sectors.

 

And it is grounded in a vision of ethics, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring the organization’s credibility and sustainability.

 

The association's governing body

The General Meeting consists of all directors and full members.

The directors constitute the association’s highest authority and have the powers expressly granted to them by law and the articles of incorporation, including:

  • Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation
  • Approval of the annual financial statements and the budget

  • The dissolution or reorganization of the association

An ordinary general meeting is held at least once a year.

Strategic Direction and Oversight

In accordance with the relevant article of Mabele Ya Bozui’s bylaws, the association is governed by a governing body composed of at least two individuals, appointed by the General Assembly.

Current composition

  • Julie Atenda
    Founder & President 
  • Adèle Mukadi 
    Administrator
  • Sedy Atenda 
    Co-Founder

The directors serve in an honorary capacity, in accordance with the articles of incorporation of Mabele Ya Bozui, and may be reimbursed for expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

How it works

The governing body operates on a collegial basis.

It may only validly make decisions if an absolute majority of the directors are present or represented, and decisions must be made unanimously.

This requirement for unanimity strengthens strategic cohesion and ensures that decisions are aligned with the association’s mission.

Meetings may be held in person or remotely, as needed.

Powers

The board of directors has the broadest powers to perform all acts necessary or useful for the achievement of the corporation’s purpose, except for those reserved by law or the articles of incorporation for the General Meeting.

In particular, it provides:

  • Defining strategic directions
  • Project and Program Oversight
  • Building partnerships
  • Financial and Budgetary Management
  • Compliance with legal obligations

In accordance with Article 27 of the bylaws, documents binding the association must be signed by the President and a director, unless specific authority has been delegated.

This joint representation provides an additional safeguard for accountability and internal control.

The governing body may delegate the day-to-day management of the association to one or more members or third parties, under its responsibility. 

Day-to-day management includes matters related to the association’s day-to-day operations or those that are urgent or of minor importance.

This capability ensures operational efficiency and administrative continuity

The bylaws set forth a strict procedure for handling conflicts of interest.

Any director who has a financial or personal interest that conflicts with that of the association must disclose such interest prior to the decision. Such a director may not participate in the deliberations or vote on that matter.

This rule safeguards the integrity and independence of the decisions made.

Full members 

  • Their admission is decided by the General Assembly by an absolute majority
  • The number of full members is limited (maximum of 2)

Associate members

  • They contribute to the association’s growth and benefit from a network, advice, and business support.
  • There is no limit to their number, reflecting Mabele Ya Bozui’s inclusive and unifying mission.

In accordance with the relevant article of Mabele Ya Bozui’s bylaws, the association is governed by a governing body composed of at least two individuals.

As part of its ongoing development and consolidation efforts, Mabele Ya Bozui is planning to establish an advisory Scientific & Strategic Committee.

This committee could include:

  • Experts in natural cosmetics
  • Specialists in sustainable agriculture
  • Researchers in sustainable development
  • Professionals in the Afro-European value chain

His role would be to support the association in ensuring the scientific quality of its training programs, promoting innovation in the sector, and conducting impact assessments.

Governance that supports a vision

Mabele Ya Bozui's governance reflects its ambition:

  • To create a structured, credible, and sustainable ecosystem for African women entrepreneurs in Belgium and Africa.
  • It combines legal rigor, collegial decision-making, and a pan-African strategic vision.