Women-led enterprises in Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa sector are gaining momentum, fueled by initiatives that empower women and promote gender equality. Here are a few notable examples:
1.Cocoa Fruit Lab: Empowering Women in Cocoa
The Cocoa Fruit Lab is a groundbreaking initiative that aims to revolutionize the cocoa industry in Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer. Many cocoa farmers in the country struggle to earn a living income, with women farmers facing additional challenges such as limited access to training, finance, and land ownership. The Cocoa Fruit Lab is a collaborative effort between ETG’s Beyond Beans sustainability foundation, IDH: The Sustainable Trade Initiative, Rokbar, and Kumasi. This project empowers women to produce and market their own cocoa products, increasing their income by up to 30% per kilo by turning cocoa waste into a valuable resource.
Key Features of the Cocoa Fruit Lab
- Establishes Côte d’Ivoire’s first women-owned micro-factory
- Focuses on sustainable cocoa, specialty chocolate, and cocoa juice production
- Benefits 400 farmers from COVIMA, a women-led cooperative in Côte d’Ivoire’s Marahoue region
2.Empowering Women in Cocoa through the GATA Project
The GATA project, co-funded by GIZ and Fairtrade Africa, has made significant strides in bridging the gender gap in the cocoa sector. The project takes a holistic approach to empower women in cocoa-growing regions through:
- Leadership Development: The Women’s School of Leadership (WSL) equips women with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles.
- Financial Inclusion: Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) provide women with access to financial services, enabling them to support their businesses and families.
- Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Gender ambassadors promote gender equality by sharing their experiences and challenging traditional power dynamics.
Goals and Impact of the GATA Project
The GATA project aims to empower 1000 women across 12 communities, with the ultimate goal of creating a more inclusive and sustainable cocoa sector. The project’s objectives include:
- Strengthening Women’s Leadership:Enabling women to take on leadership roles within their communities and cooperatives.
- Promoting Inclusive Decision-Making: Fostering an environment where women’s voices are heard and valued.
- Sustainable Cocoa Sector: Contributing to a more equitable and sustainable cocoa industry for all.
3.Boosting Financial Access for Women-Led Businesses in Côte d’Ivoire (IFC)
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has unveiled two strategic investments and one advisory project in Côte d’Ivoire to enhance financial inclusion for smaller enterprises, particularly those owned and led by women. These initiatives will be implemented in partnership with:
- Société Générale Côte d’Ivoire (SGCI)
- Société Ivoirienne de Banque (SIB)
- Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire (BBGCI)
