Rice Farmers in Uttarakhand Map Practical Actions on Gender Equality at Fairtrade NAPP Workshop
A one-day gender sensitization workshop in Dehradun, India, on 3 September 2026 brought together representatives from Star Global Multiventures and Nature Bio-Foods who examined gender roles, women's leadership and safeguarding, and identified actions for their organizations’ plans.
Seven men and two women from Star Global Multiventures Pvt Ltd in Laksar and Nature Bio-Foods Ltd - Fair Farming Foundation in Ramnagar participated in a one-day gender sensitization workshop organized by Fairtrade NAPP on 3 September 2026. The workshop was guided by Fairtrade NAPP Gender Strategy 2026-2028, and focused on strengthening gender awareness and leadership, and on more inclusive decision-making within producer organizations.
Understanding Gender Roles, Stereotypes and Social Norms
In a virtual session, Sarah Anum of Fairtrade NAPP's Gender and Youth team led the group in examining how gender roles, stereotypes and unconscious bias shape expectations of women and men in farming, household work and community life.
The farmers distinguished between gender equality, equity and inclusion, and recognized that socially constructed gender roles can change over time. Addressing unequal barriers, they noted, opens the way to fairer opportunities for all.
Advancing Gender Equality through Fairtrade Standards
Sachin Verma, Assistant Manager for Gender and Youth at Fairtrade NAPP, introduced the Gender Strategy and the gender requirements under the Fairtrade Standards. The discussion looked at why treating everyone identically may not address the different barriers women face, including unequal access to land and resources, leadership roles and training, and the burden of unpaid care work. The strategy encouraged producer organizations to integrate gender considerations into regular planning, budgeting and governance.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Participation in Governance
Women's meaningful participation in the governance of producer organizations emerged as a priority for the women and men in the room alike. The group explored leadership development, community awareness, greater representation of women on Fairtrade Premium Committees and use of Fairtrade Premium funds for projects that address women's needs.
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"I also gained a better understanding of equal wages and creating equal opportunities for women and men, particularly in leadership roles."
- Bhumika Bajwal, Farmer representative, Nature Bio-Foods Ltd - Fair Farming Foundation, Ramnagar, India
Promoting Shared Responsibilities in Households and Communities
In a group exercise, men listed the tasks traditionally assigned to women at home and in the community, while women listed those usually assigned to men. Comparing the two lists showed how many responsibilities follow stereotypes rather than ability or choice. Co-facilitated by Sayali Rajendra, the session examined who makes decisions, controls income and attends training at home, and why these roles are best shared.
Strengthening Safeguarding and Safe Participation
Safeguarding discussions covered issues like gender-based violence (GBV), sexual harassment, discrimination and the measures needed to support safe participation.
The representatives reviewed the minimum safeguarding requirements: a Code of Conduct, zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination, trained focal persons, confidential complaint handling and referral support. Safe transport, sanitation and childcare were also discussed as conditions that make it easier for women to attend meetings and training.
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"The program was very informative and provided a better understanding of gender equality, women-centric projects through Fairtrade Premium utilization, workplace safety for women, and the importance of providing equal opportunities to both women and men."
- Jagtar Singh, Farmer representative, Star Global Multiventures Pvt Ltd, Laksar, India
Gender Awareness to Organizational Plans
The workshop introduced the representatives to a Gender Action Plan framework that turns identified issues into planned actions, each with a responsible person and a measurable indicator.
The proposed actions identified are intended to be incorporated into the two organizations’ plans, with Fairtrade NAPP planning regular follow-up with both.
