Topic in Focus

What does it take to translate women's participation into meaningful influence and agency in cocoa-growing communities?

Overview

Investing in women is critical to building resilient cocoa-growing communities. When women have greater access to opportunities, resources, and decision-making, the benefits often extend beyond individuals to households, children, and communities. Yet increasing participation alone does not automatically lead to greater agency, influence, or stronger protection outcomes. Drawing on lessons from the GrowHer Kakao and Responsible Cocoa Farming programmes, implemented by Save the Children in partnership with Mars, this session explores a key implementation challenge: how do we move from participation to power? Participants will examine how Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), social norms change, household dialogue, community action planning, livelihood strengthening, and community-based protection systems can help translate participation into meaningful influence, while reflecting on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

Why it matters

The long-term viability of cocoa supply chains depends on thriving communities. Through its partnership with Save the Children, Mars has invested in strengthening women's participation and leadership in cocoa-growing communities. Experience shows that participation alone is insufficient. Understanding how participation can translate into influence is critical for advancing rights, child wellbeing, and community resilience

Who should attend?

Private sector sustainability and human rights practitioners, civil society organisations, governments, community leaders, researchers, development practitioners, human rights advocates, youth representatives, and others interested in gender equality, responsible agricultural supply chains, livelihoods, child protection, and community resilience.

What participants will gain

• Insights into why investing in women matters for resilient cocoa supply chains, and how women's agency contributes to stronger households, improved child wellbeing, and thriving communities.

• Practical lessons on expanding women's participation through approaches such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and why economic inclusion can serve as an important entry point for change.

• Examples of what it takes to translate participation into influence, including the use of Gender Action Learning Systems (GALS), income-generating activities (IGAs), Community Action Planning (CAPs), and community-based child protection mechanisms.

• Honest reflections on the challenges of shifting social norms and decision-making dynamics, and lessons for business, government, and civil society seeking sustainable human rights and resilience outcomes.