Fairtrade Africa has embarked on a transformative journey with the launch of the “Blooming Flowers – Enhancing Women’s Empowerment in the Flower Sector in Kenya” project. This ambitious 20-month initiative seeks to foster dignified and resilient livelihoods for workers in Fairtrade-certified flower farms, with a strong focus on empowering women and promoting gender equality.
The project, launched on Friday, 24th January 2025, at Florensis Kenya Limited in Naivasha, is set to directly benefit 1,800 individuals and indirectly touch the lives of over 24,253 people, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities.
Key milestones for the “Blooming Flowers” project
The initiative focuses on three transformative goals:
- Leadership and entrepreneurship training: Equipping workers with the skills needed to lead and thrive in entrepreneurial ventures.
- Gender mainstreaming: Building stronger capacities to address discrimination and gender-related challenges within the flower sector.
- Supportive environments for empowerment: Fostering gender-transformative practices to empower women and drive sustainable change.
A magical launch event
The launch event was nothing short of inspiring. Hosted at Florensis Kenya Ltd., the day began with a warm welcome by Eddy Verbeek, General Manager of Florensis Kenya Ltd., who set a vibrant and optimistic tone for the day.
Kubasu Agapeters, Fairtrade Africa’s Head of Region for Eastern and Central Africa, followed with opening remarks emphasizing Fairtrade’s unwavering commitment to transformation and lasting impact in the flower sector. The Programme Director of Fairtrade Africa, Chrispinus Oluoch, highlighted the importance of gender mainstreaming and the central role of women in sustainable development.
Faith Muthoni, ECAN Operations Manager, presented the goals of the Bengo Project, outlining a roadmap to a brighter future for flower workers.
Spotlight on a panel discussion
One of the event’s highlights was a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Ensuring dignity and resilient livelihoods in Fairtrade Flower supply chains.” Moderated by Susan Kendi of Fairtrade Africa, the panel featured:
- Florence Obonyo from Florensis Ltd.
- Esinah Nyarangi from the Ministry of Labour.
- Issa Wafula from Kenya Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (KPAWU).
- Susan Limisi, Gender Coordinator at Fairtrade Africa.
- Anne Muthoni, Gender Committee Representative at Florensis Ltd.
The panel underscored the shared commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive flower industry.
Celebrating a new chapter
The launch concluded with a ribbon-cutting and cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the birth of a new chapter for flower workers in Kenya. Fairtrade Africa’s Executive Director, Isaac H. Tongola, delivered the closing remarks, while Patrick Kimemia, Board Chairperson of Fairtrade Africa, officially launched the project.
A collaborative effort
This transformative initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the implementing partner, Fairtrade Deutschland.
As this project blooms, it promises to elevate the voices and contributions of women in Kenya’s flower sector, fostering dignity, equality, and sustainable livelihoods for all.
