Developing Strategies for Change for Women Workers in African Horticulture

A research, education and advocacy project with Trade Unions and NGOs in Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia
April 2008 - March 2011

Have you ever stopped to wonder where flowers in our supermarkets come from in the middle of December? How are the shops always full to the brim on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day? Also how can supermarkets reduce prices to £2.99 a bunch and still see them as one of their most profitable items? The truth is that these things are only possible at the expense of the health and dignity of workers in Africa.

How the project started

'It is great to be involved in further work promoting women workers' rights in African horticulture. We, along with our partners, want to build on the achievements of the last project with WWW, to create positive, meaningful and sustained change for women workers', Flavia Amoding, Project Co-ordinator, UWEA

This project builds on the WWW's project Promoting Women Workers' Rights in African Horticulture. Although much work was achieved by project partners and there was encouraging dialogue and action by industry stakeholders, more work needs to be undertaken in order see sustained changes in working conditions and empowerement of women workers.

In the horticultural sector in Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, women make up the majority of the workforce, however many experience dire working conditions ranging from excessive or forced overtime, exposure to pesticides, low wages, sexual harassment and limited or restricted access to unionization. Poor working conditions are exacerbated by the use of casual labour meaning workers are unable to challenge working conditions as they fear losing their jobs if they speak out.

Project aim

WWW and partners will use action research, advocacy activities and worker empowerment through training and trade union organising to promote sustainable improvement in working conditions.

The project will combine grass-roots initiatives alongside international advocacy action to tackle the causes of the labour rights violations and challenge those with power to act to protect workers rights.

For information on WWW's previous project work in African horticulture click here