Blantyre, Malawi – May 3, 2024 – The Tea Association of Malawi (TAML), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the ACCEL Africa project funded by the Government of Netherlands, achieved a significant milestone with the successful validation of two pivotal policies. The validation meeting, held in Blantyre, marking a crucial step forward for the ethical and sustainable development of the tea industry in Malawi.
At the heart of this achievement lies the commitment to uphold ethical standards and ensure a fair and inclusive work environment within the tea sector. The validated policies encompass critical areas of concern, including child labour and gender equality, anti-harassment, and non-discrimination.
The Child Labour Policy underscores the associations’ dedication to achieve a child labour-free supply chain while sustaining its operations, productivity and best practices. With a focus on consolidation and empowerment, the policy prioritizes smallholder inclusion, robust monitoring mechanisms, and enhanced coordination efforts.
Meanwhile, the Gender Equality, Anti-harassment, and Non-discrimination Policy reaffirm the tea industry’s resolve to foster an environment free from gender-based discrimination and harassment. By establishing clear guidelines, procedures, and support mechanisms, the policy aims to create a safe and equitable workplace for all employees. It emphasizes capacity building, institutional enhancement, and regular training programs to uphold the rights and responsibilities of individuals within the sector.
Looking ahead, these policies are set to be officially launched during the Malawi Tea Day celebrations on November 24, 2024. The launch event will serve as a platform to raise awareness and promote the industry’s commitment to ethical practices. Additionally, sensitization meetings will be conducted to ensure widespread understanding and implementation of the policies across the tea sector.
The validation of these policies underscores Malawi’s commitment to promoting responsible practices within its tea sector and sets a precedent for ethical leadership in the global tea industry.
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