Kenyan Women Flower Workers
Flowers

Kenyan Women Workers – Beacon Of Hope

Our previous blog brought to light the state of the Columbian women in the floriculture industry, the flouting of labour laws and sheer exploitation at play. This weeks blog about Kenyan women workers, perhaps would instill hope in those many Columbian women. Hope that they too can make a living with dignity and without being unjustly exploited.

Kenya is the country in focus this week. Kenya like Columbia is one of the leading exporters of roses to UK second only to Netherlands. In fact the effect of globalisation has even led Netherland to also import from Kenya. The growth in the volume of flower exports fom Kenya has more than doubled from 3.6% to 8.1% in the last 15 years.

This increase in exports has directly led to increase in job opportunities epecially for women in Kenya. It is estimated that nearly 75% of the working labour in flower production are women. They have significantly gained from these exports especially now, after major positive changes in working conditions and rights.

Like the Columbian counterpart, they too have been abused and unjustly treated even during the early 2000’s. From poor working conditions, low pay, violation to health and safety to even sexual harassment, these women have been through a lot. However, over the years, with constant campaign and intervention by a range of entities from NGOs, human right activists and trade unions the situation has slowly but surely turned better.

From the 2000’s many activists and unions have constantly campaigned and protested against abuse of every kind. They even officially logged a complaint to the UK Ethical Trading Initiative, an alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe. This was a significant move that led to many investigations on Kenyan flower farms that eventually led to reforms in labour laws. Many changes including forums for women to raise their voice about the real issues they face, child care services and safety against sexual harassment have been made.

Though there is still a long way to go, Kenyan women are definitely in much better situation from before. This only goes to show that persistent intervention by substantial stake holders can indeed bring about vast changes that benefit the workers especially women.

One thought on “Kenyan Women Workers – Beacon Of Hope

  1. Michelle says:

    Wow. Women have indeed come a long way. Good read.

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