Empowering Women in Cotton Farming: Insights from CmiA’s Women Empowerment Study
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 15
- 2 min read
Women’s empowerment in agriculture is a crucial driver of social and economic development. The Women Empowerment Study, conducted by Syspons GmbH on behalf of the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF), examines the role of female cotton farmers in Mozambique and Benin, focusing on gender equality, economic inclusion, and social empowerment. The study evaluates the impact of the Cotton made in Africa (CmiA) Initiative, which seeks to improve working conditions, increase women’s financial independence, and enhance their decision-making power.
Key Findings
1. The Role of Women in Cotton Farming
Women are actively engaged in cotton farming, performing tasks similar to men, including land preparation, planting, and harvesting. However, structural inequalities persist, particularly in land ownership and financial control. In both Benin and Mozambique, women have limited access to credit, and their ability to own agricultural land and productive assets remains significantly lower than men. The study found that gender norms and cultural expectations continue to influence decision-making and income distribution, often marginalizing women in economic activities.
2. CmiA’s Contribution to Gender Equality
CmiA has implemented training programs, policy interventions, and community engagement initiatives to support women’s empowerment. These efforts have led to improvements in women’s financial literacy, leadership roles, and participation in decision-making. Managing Entities have introduced gender-sensitive policies, including promoting women’s cooperatives, financial inclusion, and anti-discrimination mechanisms. The study highlights a positive correlation between women’s participation in CmiA programs and their ability to influence household and agricultural decisions.
3. Challenges and Recommendations for Systemic Change
Despite progress, structural barriers such as gendered labor division, unequal access to productive resources, and cultural biases continue to hinder women’s full empowerment. The study suggests scaling up financial inclusion initiatives, strengthening women’s leadership and entrepreneurship training, and improving contract formalization for female farmers. Additionally, community awareness programs that engage both men and women are critical for transforming gender roles and promoting shared responsibilities in farming households.
The study underscores both advancements and challenges in women’s empowerment within the cotton farming sector. While CmiA’s interventions have made tangible improvements, addressing long-term gender disparities requires continued investment in education, financial services, and policy reforms. By fostering inclusive economic participation, Mozambique and Benin can create sustainable, gender-equitable agricultural systems.
The Bibliography source:
RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The CMIA Women Empowerment study is linked to several SDGs:
The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
