Gender equality in SUVASE

The integration of an innovative and transformative gender approach is the basis of the SUVASE project to improve the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of Ethiopian coffee supply chains. As women are a "hidden workforce" operating at every level of the supply chain, the aim is to analyse and assess the current state of their contribution in the supply chain. In this way, strategies will be developed, and opportunities identified that will have a positive impact on the promotion and respect of their rights, with equal access to education being the basis for developing agency and empowerment.

"The issue of coffee quality is the issue of women, access to training to those who do the works is critical, it is usually our husbands that are invited."

Sitina Usman, Sadan Nono Women's Cooperative Lead, Ethiopia

What has been achieved so far?

The project has identified common goals and challenges for the public and private sectors that need to be tackled together. This is the only way to achieve real change in terms of gender equality and the sustainability of coffee supply chains in the region. Thanks to these partnerships and inclusive methods adapted to all levels of education, the participation of women in the workshops organised or funded by SUVASE has increased. At the same time, the proportion of female trainers and advisors in the region has increased, which has helped to strengthen the role of women and improve their ability to make decisions about agricultural production and access to and control over productive resources. In cooperation with Equal Origins, a gender strategy and a gender plan tailored to the role of women in the coffee supply chain were also developed, and accompanying workshops were organised. The aim is to support all stakeholders and promote a change in gender norms, both in their communities and in the agricultural supply chains. 

More information about Equal Origins can be found here.