Episode 15: Roots & Resilience: The Journey of Chef Selassie Atadika

Written By Arlene Stein

Selassie Atadika - Midunu

We’re back with a brand-new season, and this time, we’re turning up the heat on the stories that matter most. Welcome to "Only a Woman," where we shine a spotlight on the women who are not just shaping what’s on our plates, but also transforming the very fabric of the culinary world.

From bustling kitchens to vibrant markets, from classrooms to community fields, women have always been the backbone of food culture. Yet their stories are too often left untold, their influence underestimated, and their leadership overlooked. This season, we’re celebrating the chefs, producers, teachers, and cooks who are breaking barriers, reclaiming narratives, and redefining what it means to be a woman in food.

And what better way to kick off than with an extraordinary guest: Chef Selassie Atadika from Ghana. Selassie is not just a chef-she’s an award-winning chocolatier, a visionary, and a fierce advocate for sustainability, biodiversity, and culinary heritage. As the founder of Midunu and Midunu Chocolates, she champions ethical trade and indigenous crops, all while celebrating Africa’s rich food traditions. Her journey from humanitarian work with the United Nations to the forefront of global gastronomy is a testament to the power of women’s leadership and resilience.

This episode, we dive deep into the role of women in food systems, the power of culinary identity, and what it takes to challenge the status quo. Selassie’s story is one of courage, creativity, and conviction-a reminder that when women lead, entire communities thrive.

So join us as we kick off Season 3. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and hungry for change. This is "Only a Woman"-and these are the stories the world needs to hear.

Find Selassie’s Recipe for her Groundnut Soup here , follow her on Instagram and check out her Restaurant MIDUNU

 
Arlene Stein
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Episode 14: Sicily: Crossroads of Continents