Cotton made in Africa Highlights Women’s Equality Initiatives Ahead of International Women’s Day

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), which oversees the Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) initiative, highlighted its continuing work to address gender inequality in cotton-growing communities in Africa.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), programmes that focus on empowering women in rural areas could increase incomes for 58 million additional people and improve the resilience of 235 million individuals. Structural disadvantages affecting women contribute to social and economic inequality and limit development opportunities globally. These challenges include disparities in wages, restricted access to resources, and limited participation in decision-making processes.

The Hamburg-based Aid by Trade Foundation states that supporting women and girls in overcoming these barriers forms a central element of its work. Within the Cotton made in Africa Standard, requirements addressing equality between women and men include equal access to training, resources, and participation in decision-making processes.

In addition to these standards, Cotton made in Africa implements projects designed to create long-term opportunities for women cotton farmers. Implemented in cooperation with partners through the CmiA Community Cooperation Programme (CCCP), these initiatives extend beyond cotton production. Some projects provide financial support and business training to small start-ups established by women’s groups, enabling additional sources of income alongside cotton cultivation.

Other initiatives focus on awareness activities in village communities. Topics such as women’s health are addressed through formats including creative plays intended to facilitate discussion and raise awareness. More than 100 women’s clubs and other women-focused initiatives have been supported through the CmiA Community Cooperation Programme.

“Commitment to fundamentally improving women’s economic and social position is part of Cotton made in Africa’s mission statement,” says Alexandra Perschau, the head of Standards & Outreach at the Aid by Trade Foundation, adding, “Securing the future of cotton cultivation requires equal income, equal access to resources and means of production, the creation of supplementary sources of income specifically for women, and women’s active participation in CmiA initiatives and training. This is the only way to achieve resilient agriculture.”