Gender Equality In The Cocoa Sector: Ensuring Sustainable Farming Future.pdf

Gender and the Cocoa Sector

## Introduction
Frank Mechielsen from Oxfam Novib presents on the future of the cocoa industry, focusing on gender equality and the role of women farmers. He questions if chocolate will remain an affordable luxury or become accessible to all in the next two decades, similar to its status 200 years ago.

## Key Points:
- Women's Contribution: In Côte d'Ivoire, women account for approximately 45% of labor on cocoa farms but often receive lower wages and less recognition for their work. They have limited access to land ownership, financial resources, and are underrepresented in farmer cooperatives.
- Oxfam's Approach: Oxfam integrates gender equality into its cocoa programs. In Nigeria, they train 3500 farmers, aiming for 30% female participation, and monitor the benefits women receive from training, input provision, and sales. They also have initiatives like the 'Mama Cocoa Award' to recognize top female producers.
- WEMAN Methodology: Oxfam Novib uses WEMAN (Women Empowered, Men Supporting), a community-led approach to transform gender relations at family and community levels.
- Behind the Brands Campaign: In 2013, Oxfam launched this campaign, urging major food companies, including Nestlé, Mondelez, and Mars, to improve women farmers' and workers' positions in their supply chains.
- Industry Response: In 2014, Mars and Mondelez published third-party impact assessments, recognizing challenges and opportunities for women in their cocoa supply chains. Nestlé has also committed to publish an assessment and action plans related to gender.

## Recommendations for Cocoa Companies:
1. Engage with all supply chain partners and stakeholders to address gender issues and increase female participation.
2. Track and monitor women cocoa workers and farmers to understand and take targeted actions.
3. Provide training tailored to women and enable their full participation.
4. Initiate gender sensitization within communities.
5. Encourage women's involvement in farmer associations/cooperatives.
6. Improve access to input products and financial resources for female farmers.
7. Support specific women's activities, such as self-help groups.
8. Invest in crop diversification and income-generating activities for women.

## Conclusion:
Addressing gender issues can make the cocoa sector more appealing to future generations of farmers. Creating equal opportunities for women and men in cocoa farming and other crops leads to improved family nutrition and educational outcomes, as research indicates that increased female income benefits children.