Cotton made in Africa’s Approach

Cotton made in Africa has enshrined gender equality in its standards and also encourages female cotton farmers to participate in agricultural training by, for example, recruiting female trainers who offer the women guidance and information. In addition, several women are being trained to take up positions as lead farmers, a role comparable to that of a group leader, in order to improve the standing of women within the training groups. The employees of cotton companies also receive training in gender equality, and businesses are hiring permanent representatives for women. Where possible, cotton companies also conclude their own contracts with individual female farmers or women’s groups.

Strengthening Women’s Groups

Women’s groups enable women to support each other and to lead other women by example. They have an elected governing body and work together, both on the cotton fields and in other areas of their lives. The women reinvest the income generated by their group, putting it towards a new warehouse, groceries, or their children’s schooling. In order to further support their efforts, Cotton made in Africa offers cotton companies the opportunity to fund specific projects through its Community Cooperation Programme. This programme has supported numerous projects spanning a range of activities such as establishing breeding operations for chicken and goats, setting up a sewing room, and delivering training on sewing machines. Read more about CmiA’s Community Cooperation Programme here.

Cotton made in Africa’s Approach

The elimination of child labour in the world’s poorest countries will require sustainable economic growth to support measures towards social progress and better education. Since schools in rural areas are few and far between, and since the necessary infrastructure and materials are often lacking, Cotton made in Africa is supporting school projects in the cotton farmers’ villages through the Community Cooperation Programme.

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