Information

A blossoming partnership

Women are the backbone of Ethiopia’s flower industry

Ethiopia’s flower industry is blossoming and currently contributes 12% annually to Ethiopia’s gross domestic product. The flower industry is labour intensive, with women representing approximately 80% of the labour force. The majority of the women come from rural communities with limited schooling. Their knowledge about family planning and their own rights is low. As a result, these women are especially vulnerable in the workplace and experience several barriers in their work life.

Barriers to decent work:

Sexual harassment and gender based violence
Limited labour rights, including poor access to freedom of association and collective bargaining
Poor access to grievance mechanisms e.g. court of law
Poor access to health and hygiene at work
Limited access to personal protective equipment
Skewed power dynamics between men and women
Poor knowledge about maternal health and sexual and reproductive health

These challenges contribute to poor health and well-being, poor occupational health and safety, and poor workplace productivity – as well as high female absenteeism.

The Danish Family Planning Association has entered into a strategic partnership with Ethiopia Horticulture Producer Exporters Association, Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia and Confederation of Ethiopian Trade Unions to break down barriers in Ethiopia’s flower industry. Together we are strengthening health, gender equality and decent work in the industry.

We are currently targeting 20 flower farms in Ethiopia’s Oromia-region. We are improving the working conditions and strengthening the knowledge about human and labour rights of 22.000 workers.