Anna Berghäll
Translated by Linus Atarah
Tikisael S Mbise, Neema Minja, Rose Kimela and Martha William have gathered under a tent at the premises of Kiliflora's fair trade office. The women work in the Women's Committee of Kiliflora's branch of TPAWU. The committee was formed because on certain issues, it is easier for female workers to approach the committee than take it directly to management. Sixty-five per cent of Kiliflora's workers are women.
- We actually do not have any more problems than the men but we have not yet succeeded in resolving all. That is why the committee is needed, explains Mbise.
Sexual harassment is common on flower farms where the workforce is predominantly women. Often women get sexually harassed on the fields or in greenhouses because such are places are not guarded. Two cases have so far been dealt with at Kiliflora and in both instances the culprits have been fired.
- "Both parties points of view are documented carefully, says Mbise, and shows the minutes of sexual harassment cases.
The other worrying concern for the women is how to take care of the extended family. Many of Kiliflora's workers support their parents and the children of their brothers and sister. The salary is simply not enough for a living.
The women's committee meets once a month and deals with all kinds of issues ranging from HIV campaigns to education. Among other things, fair trade bonuses have been used to organize voluntary HIV tests. To the committee training is a solution to many problems, including problems related to income.
- Women are unwilling to actively pursue their interests because they are afraid of losing their jobs. We are not asking for the moon, only what belongs to us according to common reasoning, Martha Williams says.
