Gender Dynamics in Coconut Sugar Farming

Coconut sugar production is an independent livelihood system in the region of Java. Without the coordinated labour of both husband and wife, the product simply cannot exist.  While men tap the coconut sap, often beginning work at dawn, women typically spend five or more hours a day transforming the sap into granulated sugar. The livelihood exists because both partners work in synchrony.

Yet despite their essential role, women frequently face:

• Limited participation in cooperative meetings
• Lower daily wages compared to men
• Double workloads balancing farming and domestic responsibilities
• Safety risks when working with heat and large cooking tools
• Barriers to mobility, as many cannot operate vehicles to attend meetings

Cooperatives are at the core of addressing these inequalities—but only when supported by the right policies, awareness, and collective commitment. A formal gender policy becomes essential, providing a clear framework that identifies existing gaps, addresses them systematically, and embeds equality into the cooperative’s systems, culture, and long-term governance.

Two Workshops, One Purpose: Building Inclusive, Resilient Cooperatives

Throughout November 2025, Fairtrade NAPP undertook a crucial mission in Central Java, Indonesia—facilitating Gender Policy Development Workshops for Koperasi Produsen Coco Sugar Manise and Koperasi Sari Manggar Alami, two Fairtrade-certified coconut sugar cooperatives approaching their certification renewal year.

Held in Banyumas and Purbalingga regencies, these workshops are part of Fairtrade NAPP’s strategic commitment to strengthen farmer organizations through inclusive governance, capacity-building, and gender-responsive policies.

Together, the programs engaged 54 women farmers, cooperative board representatives, and Fairtrade Premium Committee members—bringing together the voices of women who play a critical role in the production of coconut sugar yet often remain underrepresented in decision-making spaces.

Under Fairtrade Standard 4.3.4, every small-scale producer organization is required to develop a structured gender policy that advances women’s empowerment, ensures equal participation, fosters safe and inclusive working environments, integrates gender-responsive budgeting, and safeguards members from discrimination and violence. With both cooperatives recognizing gaps in these areas and expressing a need for guidance, the workshops became not only relevant but essential, providing the support needed to translate Fairtrade’s gender requirements into actionable, cooperative-led commitments.

1. Gender Policy Development Workshop – Koperasi Coco Sugar Manise  at Cilongok District, Banyumas

Participants: 26 women farmers, 5 board members, 2 committee representatives

Held in a classroom environment, the workshop introduced participants to key gender concepts, human rights principles, and real examples of inequality encountered in rural farming communities. Farmer wives—integral contributors to coconut sugar processing—participated actively in discussions, sharing their experiences and identifying needs such as:

• Safer kitchen equipment
• Appropriate stoves for sap cooking
• Kitchen gloves
• Stable pricing
• Easier access to cooperative services
• Transportation support to attend meetings

Local Support Systems Highlighted

Participants learned about critical government services, such as the P2TP2A Integrated Service Centers, which provide:

• Protection for women victims of violence
• Legal consultation
• Psychological services
• Counselling
• Assistance for children and vulnerable groups

They also discussed free or subsidized reproductive and maternal healthcare available through community health centers (Puskesmas).

A Strong Desire for Inclusion

Women expressed genuine aspirations to participate more actively in cooperative activities but cited time constraints, mobility barriers, and household workloads as obstacles.

In the words of participant Sumbini (57):
“I am happy to gain more knowledge today and meet other fellow women farmers. Being part of the cooperative gives us access to information we didn’t have before.”

Board member Dartim (46) added:
“As men, we gained insight into women farmers’ thoughts. We appreciate this support from Fairtrade NAPP and hope more women can participate in future activities.”

2. Gender Policy Development Workshop  for Koperasi Sari Manggar Alami at Karanganyar District, Purbalingga

Participants: 26 women farmers, 4 male board members, 2 women board members, 2 Premium Committee members

This workshop, held two days after the first, expanded on the same foundational topics—gender concepts, the nature of inequality, and gender as a human rights issue—while reflecting the unique context of the cooperative.

More Youthful Participation, Strong Engagement

Many women farmers in this cooperative are younger and displayed strong curiosity and active engagement throughout the discussions. Their emerging leadership potential signals long-term opportunities for organizational change.

Women highlighted the need for:

• Ergonomic tools for processing solid caramel
• Transparent and stable pricing
• Kitchen safety equipment
• Greater representation in membership and leadership

A key difference in this cooperative was the presence of board members with limited motivation, which participants identified as a barrier to strengthening governance. The workshop helped underscore the urgency of revitalizing leadership commitment.

Cooperative representative Ahmad Hakim (47) affirmed:

“We now understand why women must also be cooperative members. We are committed to supporting their organization and empowerment under our gender policy.”

Participant Kusriyah (48) shared:
“This workshop enriched my knowledge and allowed me to meet and befriend women farmers from other villages.”

What Participants Learned: From Gender Concepts to Real-Life Application

Across both workshops, farmers were introduced to:

• The difference between sex and gender
• Forms of gender inequality: stereotypes, marginalization, subordination, double burden, violence
• Gender equality as a human right
• The vital role of women in agricultural value chains
• Why cooperatives must create inclusive, equitable governance systems
• Elements of a strong gender policy: Organizational commitment, Clear goals, Scope and coverage, Awareness building, Capacity strengthening, Monitoring and implementation
• Protection frameworks under Indonesian law
• International gender equality standards within Fairtrade

These sessions were deeply interactive, using real-life experiences as learning anchors.

Immediate Impact Across Both Cooperatives

1. Increased Awareness and Confidence

Women expressed a newfound understanding of their rights, roles, and the importance of participating in cooperative decision-making.

2. Stronger Male Allyship

Male leaders acknowledged gender gaps and expressed support for integrating women as active members.

3. Clear Identification of Practical Needs

Women articulated specific needs that cooperatives can now prioritize—such as ergonomic processing tools, kitchen safety equipment, and accessible meeting schedules.

4. Recognition of Systemic Barriers

Issues such as wage disparity, limited mobility, and patriarchal norms were openly discussed, fostering a shared commitment to change.

5. More Inclusive and Motivated Communities

The workshops created space for connection, reflection, and mutual understanding—strengthening the social fabric of both cooperatives.

Next Steps: Turning Awareness into Policy

Both cooperatives will follow a clear and structured roadmap to ensure their gender policies are fully developed and embedded into their governance systems. In December 2025, they will work closely with Fairtrade NAPP to draft their gender policy commitments, ensuring the content reflects both Fairtrade requirements and the lived realities of their members. By January 2026, the finalized policies will be presented and approved during each cooperative’s General Assembly, marking an important milestone in formalizing their commitment to gender equality. Moving into early 2026, the cooperatives will begin implementing these policies in preparation for their upcoming Fairtrade renewal audits. Throughout this process, Fairtrade NAPP will continue providing hands-on support, recognizing the diverse educational backgrounds and capacity needs within the farming communities and ensuring that every step is both achievable and impactful.

A Seed of Equality Planted in Java’s Coconut Groves

The journey toward gender equality is not without its challenges. Some cooperatives face an ageing population of women farmers, limited motivation among certain board members, and mobility barriers that restrict women’s participation in meetings and decision-making activities. Yet these challenges exist alongside powerful opportunities. Younger women are showing strong engagement and leadership potential, men and cooperative leaders are developing greater awareness and support for inclusivity, and Fairtrade Standards provide a clear pathway to strengthen governance. Additionally, the work aligns closely with national legal frameworks and local gender support services, reinforcing an enabling environment for sustained progress.

These gender policy development workshops are therefore much more than a series of training sessions—they are seeds of long-term, systemic transformation planted in the coconut groves of Java. By building cooperative capacity, empowering women, and encouraging men to act as allies, Fairtrade NAPP is helping cultivate resilient, equitable, and future-ready communities. Change begins when communities learn together. Equality grows when women’s voices are heard. And transformation becomes real when cooperatives commit to policies that ensure fairness for all. Fairtrade NAPP remains steadfast in this mission, walking alongside producer organizations because empowering farmers ultimately means empowering entire communities.