” Breaking Barriers: The European Union -Fairtrade Workshop Paving the Way for Gender Equality in Sri Lankan Agriculture”

In late August, a significant gathering occurred in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Gender Strategy Development Workshop, held by Fairtrade NAPP (Network of Asia & Pacific Producers), brought together 24 representatives from various Sri Lankan Farmer Producer Organizations, aiming to foster an inclusive agricultural sector that prioritizes equality and resilience for all. The Fairtrade Young Naturalists initiative exemplifies a strong commitment to gender-inclusive environmental stewardship, underscoring Fairtrade’s broader gender strategy. With a diverse group of 26 participants, including 1 male aged 18-24, 11 males over 24, 4 females aged 18-24, and 8 females over 24, this project actively supports equitable engagement in environmental restoration. Additionally, 2 female PN staff members joined the initiative, enhancing guidance and fostering an inclusive environment where all participants can contribute to sustainable practices.This commitment to gender inclusion strengthens Fairtrade’s approach to sustainability, reinforcing that environmental action and biodiversity restoration are best achieved through diverse and representative community engagement.This collaborative workshop marked an essential step in Fairtrade’s commitment to creating sustainable change for small producers, focusing on addressing gender inequalities that continue to impact farming communities across Sri Lanka.

The Gender Strategy Program, central to the workshop’s agenda, was crafted to address systemic gender inequality within Farmer Producer Organizations. Recognizing that gender discrimination in the workplace and operational fields hinders women from contributing fully to agricultural and economic growth, Fairtrade initiated this strategy to address these disparities through thoughtful, actionable interventions. The ultimate aim is to shape inclusive policies, ensure equitable access to resources, and promote leadership opportunities for women.

Fairtrade NAPP’s efforts were generously supported by international funders who recognize the transformative potential of gender equality in agriculture. Their contribution has been instrumental in making such a workshop possible, creating a space where gender perspectives are discussed, biases challenged, and policies developed to create a more balanced future for both women and men in farming communities.

Throughout the two-day workshop, participants delved into an in-depth exploration of gender concepts and challenges unique to farming communities. These discussions highlighted the often-limited understanding of gender equality among participants and underscored the urgency for equitable distribution of leadership responsibilities and economic decision-making power. In their journey toward awareness, participants conducted a comprehensive survey that included qualitative and quantitative components. The survey findings revealed deep-seated gender disparities within farming organizations, particularly in resource allocation and leadership roles. This data laid the groundwork for targeted interventions designed to raise awareness and set realistic goals for gender inclusivity.

A key element of the workshop was the development of individual and collective gender action plans tailored to each participant’s respective organizations. Divided into small groups, attendees worked collaboratively to identify women’s challenges in their communities, mapping out short-term and long-term goals for gender inclusivity. The immediate objectives included establishing gender equality task forces within the first two years, while the long-term vision aimed for 50% female representation in leadership roles within a 3–5-year period. This strategic planning exercise encouraged participants to recognize the impact of existing cultural and social norms on women’s roles. Many of these norms limit women’s access to leadership roles and technical training, perpetuating their underrepresentation in agricultural operations and decision-making processes. The collective commitment to change was made concrete as participants wrote personal pledges to champion gender equality within their organizations, reinforcing a shared responsibility to create an equitable environment for future generations.

The workshop also shed light on critical issues faced by women within farmer organizations. From underrepresentation in leadership positions to the lack of tailored mental health programs, the workshop enabled participants to address women’s unique barriers in agriculture. For example, women frequently encounter harassment, face biases that stifle their innovative ideas, and experience discrimination due to their age or gender. Moreover, societal expectations often hinder their ability to participate fully, with cultural norms relegating them to secondary roles in decision-making both at home and within the farming sector. Analyzing internal and external factors through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework helped participants identify the need to improve gender-sensitive policies. The framework allowed them to evaluate existing practices, identify organizational strengths, and pinpoint opportunities to promote gender inclusivity.

Funders’ support has enabled Fairtrade to address such critical gender disparities. Their funding sustains workshops like this one and strengthens ongoing efforts to equip women with the resources, training, and support needed to succeed in agriculture. Funders contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural landscape that benefits entire communities by bridging the gap between male and female farmers.

Fairtrade’s focus on gender equality goes beyond workshops. Their continuous monitoring and evaluation framework, equipped with key performance indicators (KPIs), ensures that the efforts initiated during the workshop translate into measurable and lasting change. These KPIs track progress in leadership roles, financial independence, and land ownership, allowing Fairtrade to assess and adjust strategies to meet evolving challenges.

The Gender Strategy Development Workshop was more than a meeting of minds; it was a transformative experience for all involved. Through candid discussions, hands-on planning, and a shared commitment to action, participants walked away with a renewed understanding of gender equality and a clear vision for the future of their communities. Fairtrade’s commitment, supported by dedicated funders, has empowered these farmers to take meaningful steps toward a gender-equal society, fostering resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in agriculture.