Cotton plays a pivotal role in the economies of many industrialized and developing countries. It contributes significantly to poverty reduction and acts as a vital growth engine. Notably, about 43% of labor in cotton production is provided by women, depending on the region. Despite their substantial contribution, gender disparities remain, especially in rural areas where most cotton farming occurs. Women face challenges including limited access to resources, education, and decision-making power, which are critical areas we aim to explore through this survey.
The purpose of the "Gender Dynamics in the Cotton Sector – A Cross-country Survey" is to shed light on these challenges and identify opportunities for improvement. By collecting data through a structured and voluntary approach, we aim to provide actionable recommendations for promoting gender equality and empowering women in the cotton sector.
Your contribution to this survey is crucial. The insights we gather will help design effective strategies and policy interventions aimed at achieving greater gender parity within the cotton industry. We believe that with your collaboration, we can make significant strides toward empowering women and enhancing their roles in this vital sector.
This survey targets organizations, companies, and cooperatives involved in cotton production, as well as ginning plants, and fiber classing offices.
The questionnaire is available in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Mandarin. Since some countries have yet to participate in the survey, we have decided to extend the submission deadline to June 23.
If you encounter any difficulties submitting the survey or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us (lorena@icac.org or mario@icac.org). If you have already responded, we sincerely thank you.