Women contribute significantly to the production of cocoa in Ghana. They deserve more autonomy and a fair share in the proceeds of the cocoa harvest. Women Empowerment helps women achieve more credit for their work.

Woman Empowerment helps women stand strong so they can create better conditions for themselves and their families. ‘Gender equity’ or greater equality between men and women is the guiding principle.

Commitment to local communities

This acknowledges Ghanaian women’s commitment to their local cocoa communities and their hard work during and after the cocoa harvest.

Among other efforts, Cocoa from Ghana encourages Women Empowerment by:

• providing training and education aimed at recognizing equal rights within local communities (that is culturally sensitive);
• promoting awareness of the importance of increasing women’s participation;
• acknowledging the role of women in cocoa production, whose work is often unpaid and undervalued;
• helping women access supplies necessary for the cocoa harvest, such as plant material and fertilizers;
• supporting women who are active in certain cocoa organizations;
• encouraging legislation on women’s land ownership;
• supporting initiatives that enable women to generate income with other crops.

Cocoa from Ghana’s work to empower women aligns with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations. The UN views ‘Women Empowerment’ as the ultimate way to achieve gender equity.