In what can only be described as a monumental breakthrough for women in a male-dominated industry, the women employees of Van Loveren Family Vineyards received the top award – the International Breaking the Bias Award – at a recent Fairtrade event.
In addition to this prestigious honour, the winery will be renumerated for any Fairtrade initiatives proposed and approved to the total value of €10 000.
Accepting the award on behalf of their colleagues were Rhoda McNiel and Sune September. The former joined the company in 1996, the latter has worked on the farm since 2013.
“It was wonderful to win the Break the Bias Award and certificate,” September said on accepting the accolade. “It shows what women can do. There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish.”
The event, themed “Break the bias”, served as a platform for women to exchange their learnings and experiences as well as celebrate their achievements within their communities.
Women play an integral role in the agriculture industry across Africa, but are often subjected to discrimination based on their gender. A case study conducted in 2020 on women in agriculture, entitled Sustainable Agriculture in South Africa (Siza), found that women in this sector are often impeded by patriarchal perceptions or bias, motherhood and child care, and lack of training and education, among other things.
In 2011 Van Loveren received its Fairtrade accreditation, and is a proud contributor to the improvement of production and trading conditions for its workers and disadvantaged employees.
