Summary
This case study details Unilever's commitment to addressing women's rights and combating discrimination within its supply chain, particularly in high-risk countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, and India. It outlines the initiatives undertaken, including the Women's Safety Accelerator Fund (WSAF), launched in 2020 in India, which collaborates with various stakeholders in the tea industry to create safer workplaces for women. Over three years, the program engaged over 300 tea estates, enhancing awareness of women's rights and establishing response mechanisms for safety and dignity. By the end of 2023, WSAF had positively impacted over 358,205 individuals, including 238,372 women, and reached over 747,467 community members through awareness programs. The case study also discusses a partnership with another consumer goods company, supported by the Bonsucro Impact Fund, aimed at addressing systemic issues like forced labor and discrimination in sugar sourcing countries. This project will engage suppliers to gather data on challenges faced by workers and influence policy development for sustainable change.
