According to Fairtrade, women are responsible for growing around 60-80% of the world’s food, but they often don’t own the land and receive little compensation. This is even truer in the flower sector of Kenya, where women make up 75% of the workforce but still do not enjoy adequate labor rights. They face employment insecurity, excessive overtime, harassment, and safety issues.
Role of women in Kenya’s flourishing flower industry
A Women Win research on women entrepreneurs in Kenya’s flower industry shows that the sector is a significant foreign exchange earner, ranking third in the country’s economy. Around 95% of the flowers grown in Kenya are exported, providing employment opportunities to 150,000 people, primarily women. However, the industry is predominantly male-dominated, with few women holding leadership positions.
Challenges faced by women in the sector
A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) found that farms managed by women produce 20 to 30% less than those managed by men, mainly due to gender-specific obstacles.
Women growers have limited land ownership, with only two out of ten owning land. Inheritance and property rights remain a challenge. Some struggle with loans and contracts without their husband’s consent. Women growers struggle to borrow money due to a lack of collateral. However, 30% credit their husband’s support in childcare for their success.
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