Female cocoa farmers in the lower Guayas river basin in Ecuador want to excel in their organisations and have better incomes for themselves and their families. Despite their contribution to local cocoa production systems, a survey conducted in the area revealed that, within the household, women’s contributions to decision-making, both about the management of cocoa farms as well as about the income from cocoa farming, are low.
Gender inclusion is more than a global trend. Actions to "close the gap" have, in many companies, moved from being social responsibility campaigns to policies. In the cocoa world, women are already part of the business and different companies around the world are reviewing women’s contributions to the chain, investing progressively in programmes to help them develop their potential.