What difference does it make when the unpaid work of rural women is remunerated in supply chains?

UK-Nicaragua Solidarity Forum 10 July

This event started with a powerful homage to campesina Florentina Perez three months after her passing using her example to exemplify the role women play in production, community, and solidarity. Florentina’s husband and daughter were killed defending their community in an attack by US backed contra in 1986.

The recognition of the unpaid work of women represents the legacy of the dedication to her community, courage and resilience of rural women such as Florentina.

Despite the crucial role that rural women play in food production globally, almost nowhere in the world is this role acknowledged let alone remunerated in supply chains. The contribution of women is undervalued, unrecognised and invisible.

But how can this age old issue be addressed in supply chains in a way that not only empowers women but changes dynamics within families, strengthens local economies, and the social fabric?

This is exactly what has been achieved in a pioneering initiative involving collaboration between the Juan Francisco Paz Silva co-op in northern Nicaragua, the ethical trading company Etico, and the Social Business Network.

How does it work? The previously unremunerated labour costs of the work of rural women, crucial to production, is added to the cost that consumer companies pay. This premium is invested by the co-ops to support vulnerable women, provide training in new skills, and to help women to set up their own enterprises.

Before being part of this initiative I was very shy and afraid to speak to people, today I am able to speak confidently to over 100 people and I feel big! One of the women in the co-operative who participated in the initiative.

The success of this initiative has been validated by the University of Nottingham who have also highlighted the potential for replicating this model in other parts of Latin America and elsewhere.

A short policy document produced by the University recommends the initiative as a way of stimulating sustainable local development, reducing gender inequalities, empowering women and strengthening supply chains. In this way it forms an important contribution to UN Agenda 2030 of Sustainable Development Goals.

For a 7 minute  video entitled The impact of empowering rural women