The tea that the world enjoys relies on the skill and effort of Kenyan women. From growing and harvesting the leaves, to the factories where the tea is processed and packaged, to getting it to the shelves, women are a majority of the workforce that makes it all happen. Thus, Kenya’s largest export is powered by women.
More than five million people are directly or indirectly dependent on the tea industry that can only be sustained by the fair and equitable treatment of all its workers. Creating a safe and secure living and working environment where everyone’s rights are protected ensures women can fully contribute to Kenya’s social and economic development. Significant progress has been made in recent years, but challenges remain, especially in rural areas.
LIPTON Teas and Infusions Kenya is a major producer of tea in Kericho county. As part of the world’s largest buyer of tea, we have been taking deliberate measures to empower women and girls so that the value created in the market can be shared by all, irrespective of gender.
We have appointed women to 47 per cent of our management positions in Kenya so far, providing strong female leadership and role models who can relate to the challenges faced in remote agricultural work. We aim to reach our 50 per cent target by next year. Our Lipton’s Girls in Engineering programme in secondary schools offers scholarships as well as internship opportunities within our company to encourage future generations too.
Creating stable incomes can help uplift entire families. However, this must go hand-in-hand with safe and supportive working conditions. Any form of harassment or violence is obviously unacceptable, and we continue to invest in ways to prevent, detect and respond to concerns from any worker. Putting in place trusted reporting systems and making our zero-tolerance clear provides reassurance and clarity to all. For working mothers, paid maternity leave, nursing breaks and flexible working hours plus our investment in day care, school and medical facilities mean they do not need to choose between work and family.
Such social welfare programmes underpin our commitment to lead the tea industry into a sustainable future. Not only is it the right thing to do, but our industry risks consumers avoiding Kenyan tea if we do not achieve the standards they increasingly expect.
Partnerships, consultation and collaborations are key to change. Female smallholder farmers are especially in need of support within organised community groups. A stronger, clearer voice for women can begin to shape the wider industry in a way that works for all. It will also help to challenge stereotypes and outdated attitudes holding them back.
LIPTON Teas and Infusions recognises the importance of working with others at all levels to drive an industry-wide approach to sustainable tea production. In doing so, we know that fostering women’s empowerment and equal opportunities is good for communities, for the economy and for all.
The writer is the director of LIPTON Teas and Infusions Kenya PLC