Women workers in Ecuador, the world leaders in banana production and exports, are being empowered through training programs aimed at ensuring their rights and progress in the industry. The host of international accreditations and standards producers have to uphold are not simply certificates on a wall, they are catalysts to drive positive change with the real impact on the workforce and surrounding communities keenly felt by women.
Anabel Vera, Betty Zambrano and Susana Ortega with Paola Cabrera Romero (right) all from Jasafrut.
The corporate office of the banana exporter Jasafrut and their foundation Equapak in El Guabo, El Oro in Ecuador, owned by Jorge Alex Serrano was recently visited as part of the Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters (AEBE) XX (20th) International Convention, Banana Time 2023.
Serrano together with his team of Paola Cabrera Romero and Guillermo Mauro Pazmino opened their company doors. The aim is to hear and see first-hand more of the impact of applying the global standards have brought to the lives of banana workers. “I must admit, the requirements from accreditation agencies have pushed us to be more socially responsible. It is a good thing, we can empower women, provide training, healthcare and even psychological support,” explains Serrano.
“The first thing we ask any grower who wants to work with us, do you have any of the minimum global standards in place? If not we turn them away, we are not interested in working with people who do not even apply the basics that is needed. We also train the men on farms that women are equals who can do any job even better, while they deserve respect,” exclaims Jorge.
Three women workers whose voices often do not reach beyond the farm gate, say they have benefitted tremendously from the training and other programmes offered in the banana industry. Like so many countries around the world, women face a largely patriarchal society, who receive less pay for the same work, less benefits while often being overlooked for promotion.
Anabel Vera, Betty Zambrano and Susana Ortega, describe how after extensive work by Serrano, led by Cabrera and her team: “We as women workers are now treated equally by receiving the same pay, we have equal rights etc. It is better working for Jasafrut, even simple things like having soap and toilet paper in the bathroom is now there. In other places where we worked they don't provide these basics.”
Cabrera and Jorge says after extensive work with employees across their own farms they discovered an even greater need for psychological support. Many workers need this type of assistance after years of trauma they experienced in life. Vera, Zambrano and Ortega highlighted this as the most significant benefit and additional support they could rely on when needed: “It has really been a good thing for me. When I was working and pregnant my daughter was born with problems and we needed help from the psychologist to overcome it,” says Zambrano.
“When my son was 12 and wild it really helped me as parent and worker to have this support available. The psychologist really helped me to understand how to deal with and support my son,” said Vera.
“About four years ago my mother had a car accident and became depressed. The psychologist talked to my Mom, and explained she was not a burden for the family,” said Ortega.
“I want to keep working and growing do different jobs. Before I said no when a manager asked, I said I have to learn to do it first. I only did one job in the past, but now with the support and training I have had several changes in position,” says Vera.
“An example of what this program taught us, is about our rights and equality as women, which we are enjoying in this company and it's been a good experience. I took leave due to my pregnancy but decided to come back. What's important for me is the empowering, that women are capable of doing this work and we are supported. My future goal is to buy my own farm,” concludes Zambrano.
These stories show why Latam banana producers motivate so strongly for shared responsibility and better prices in order to provide better working and living conditions for banana workers.
For more information:
Paola Cabrera Romero
Jasafruit
Tel: +593 7-295-0469 Ext: 115
Email: [email protected]
www.equapak.com.ec