CHANGING THE STANDARD

Companies, governments and NGOS need to demonstrate a change in behaviours that have for so long ignored the reality of women’s contributions and constraints. WOCAN’S “the W+ Standard” is used to show the results of initiatives that bring benefits to women, by measuring, quantifying and verifying these through a transparent process. WOCAN also conducts leadership training for women (and male supporters) as well as training for gender-integrated planning. Gurung explains: “As the interests of consumers about the sources of their food and other purchased items grows, there are new opportunities to make the public aware of the conditions women farmers face. The use of a certification system such as the W+ that labels products produced in ways beneficial to women farmers – a kind of ‘fair trade’ for women – could drive consumer demand, while generating new resources and premiums that go directly into the hands of women farmers.”

www.wplus.org | www.wocan.org