Women's Equality Day
Women's Equality Day
Today, the 26th August, is Women’s Equality Day. On this date in 1920 American women were first legally allowed to vote, and the day celebrates the centuries old struggle of women around the world for political equality. This is a fight which has seen discrimination based on race, age, marital status and class and which is an ongoing battle even today.
We believe that Women’s Equality Day shouldn’t end at celebrating an important date in history, but should also be used as a jumping off point to remind us how far we still need to go for women around the globe to be treated with true equality. We are all inspired by women every single day, whether they be our favourite celebrity or political figure, but we can also use this day to consider the women across the globe who are making strides in business and ensuring that products are made ethically, sustainably and fairly.
It is important in the 21st century not only to consider what the baseline standards of women’s equality are, but also to consider how different groups of women have different needs that should be met. Here at Harrogate Fair Trade Shop we care about all aspects of our supply chain and ensuring that the women making the products we sell are treated fairly and according to their individual needs. On Women’s Equality Day we would like to celebrate some of the inspiring women behind these businesses and look at how shopping Fair Trade can affect their lives in a positive way.
The final company we would like to highlight today is Divine Chocolate, luxurious chocolate that is a real treat yet doesn’t compromise on ethical production at any stage. Divine Chocolate is a 100% Fair Trade company based in Ghana and owned by the local cocoa farmers. There is a real emphasis on empowering the women working in cocoa farming and ensuring that they have the skills and confidence they need to support their communities as well as the financial stability to invest in their families. The company is also working towards Sustainable Development Goal 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. Why not treat yourself to one of our Divine small chocolate bars which comes in 5 different flavours to suit all tastes and celebrate the work of women worldwide.