The Fairtrade Movement attempts to give a new meaning to fairness in the global supply chain. It takes a committed step forward in addressing gender inequality issues in South India with an illustrative consultation on Gender Strategy funded by ECFFPA (European Commission Financial Framework Partnership Agreement). Being convened by Bangalore in the South Indian region, this two-day event will bring together organizational leaders and supply chain experts from various walks of life, along with gender advocates, to create a way forward toward equity and inclusion in the workplace and in the supply chain.
Understanding Inequality at its Roots
In workplaces and supply chains, fairness has always been a social as well as systemic issue, for women who constitute a significant group in the agricultural workforce face barriers like unequal pay, few opportunities to become leaders, and restricted access to resources. The consultation by Fairtrade has covered all these concerns or issues under governmental frameworks such as CEDAW and POSH, which have culminated in understanding persistent gaps in gender across global and Indian contexts.
Others included drawing a farmer and the Surgeon Riddle, which gave participants some insightful moments by forcing unconscious bias. These revealed how deeply ingrained stereotypes are in affecting perceptions related to gender roles within specific industries, especially agriculture and healthcare.
On the Legal and Social Context
In this respect, Fairtrade emphasized the importance of keeping up with international and national standards to promote gender equality. The consultation also highlighted international instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and CEDAW, and domestic legislation, that is, the POSH Act and Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, relating to harassment at workplaces and cruelty against women. Participants were called upon to assimilate such values into their organizational policies to achieve a safer and fairer workplace.
Engaging Through SWOC Analysis
An advanced SWOC (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Constraints) analysis was at the core of the consultation. Participants in small groups discussed unique gender dynamics in their organizations and pinpointed major challenges, including wage disparities, safety issues, and lack of childcare facilities. This exercise revealed opportunities such as forming self-help groups, skills-building programs, and decision-making processes that were, to whatever extent possible, developed and involved women. Sector-Specific Insights and Stories
The spotlight struck the whole role of women in agriculture, a sector whose effort is often unrepresented in decision-making spaces. Even globally, women globally produce more than half of the world’s food supply. Women have little or no access to land ownership, credit, and training. At the same time, the labour force participation gap for women remains in India due to socio-cultural norms and less infrastructure. By addressing the barriers, Fairtrade hopes that women will be well empowered economically and will have their voices heard in agricultural policies and practices.
Tools for Action: Designing Gender Strategies
They were encouraged to take back hands-on tools to incorporate gender equity into their organizational systems. The action-oriented strategies in the workshop included policy-making on anti-harassment, skill development training, and arrangements for safe travel for women. This was pegged according to each organization’s conditions, aiming to have a long-term impact across three-year plans.
A Commitment to Equity and Sustainability
More than that, Fairtrade has led a series of consultation-related activities. Here is an example of introducing customized accounting software for SPOs by 2025, which helps to underline its commitment to developing transparent and just systems. Continuous training and follow-up is indeed an ongoing process, and through such, Fairtrade succeeds in making theoretical changes seem tangible on-ground realities.
Toward an Inclusive Future
The Gender Strategy Consultation is a milestone in Fairtrade’s journey toward creating equitable supply chains. Fairtrade is leading the charge for a future where sustainability and inclusivity go hand in hand by empowering women, addressing systemic barriers, and fostering collaborative learning. Every step forward is a testament to the transformative power of equality—not just for individuals but for entire communities.
