UN Goodwill Ambassador advocates ethical sourcing in women-led industries

A United Nations (UN) Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Sabrina Dhowre Elba, has called for ethical sourcing and fair trade in women-led industries, particularly in the country’s shea sector.

That, she said, was because fair compensation and sustainable business practices were crucial to improving the livelihoods of women involved in agricultural production.

“We believe in the power of communities.

Through our partnership with World Vision and Fairtrade, we can create a space where people not only benefit from ethical sourcing but where their work and culture are uplifted on a global stage. We are committed to supporting the incredible women who are the backbone of agricultural production in this region.”

Mrs Elba was speaking during a visit to Northern Ghana where she engaged with several women-led shea butter processing groups in the Northern Region to learn firsthand about sustainable practices and the challenges these communities face.

Visit

The visit aimed at promoting wellness and responsible sourcing and was in partnership with World Vision International to form part of a broader initiative with S'ABLE Labs, a skincare company that actress, model and businesswoman co-founded.

In Gbumgbum Yemo, Mrs Elba observed traditional shea butter production a time-intensive process carried out largely by women.

She engaged with the women involved in the process, learning about their challenges and, at the same time, ways to preserve the indigenous method of shea production.

In Malishegu, she met with cooperatives benefiting from Fairtrade certification, which ensures producers receive fair compensation and reinvest in their communities.

She also visited Bugulung, where mechanized shea processing is improving productivity and income for local women. 

Fair trade

Ms Elba stressed that fair trade was essential for protecting the rights of producers, particularly women in rural areas.

She said without fair wages and ethical business practices, many remained in poverty despite their hard work.

She explained that fair trade empowers communities by providing better resources and sustainable farming methods, allowing them to improve their livelihoods.

She added that ethical sourcing also strengthens global supply chains by ensuring transparency, sustainability, and economic stability.

“Ethical sourcing is not a trend it’s a responsibility we all share.

Through partnerships like this, we can create a more sustainable, just, and inclusive world,” she said .

“S’ABLE Labs’ advocacy aligns with World Vision’s mission to tackle poverty at its root.

Together, we’re helping create systems that value both people and the planet,” Mrs Elba added. 

World Vision’s role

World Vision has played a leading role transforming the shea industry in the northern part of the country by equipping women-led cooperatives with the skills and resources needed to enhance production and increase their earnings.

Through capacity-building programmes, the organisation has trained women in improved processing techniques, financial literacy, and business management, enabling them to expand their operations and negotiate better prices for their products.

Additionally, World Vision has facilitated access to modern equipment, reducing the time and labour required for traditional shea butter production. 

The collaboration with S’ABLE Labs extends beyond these direct interventions, as both organisations seek to promote ethical consumerism and advocate for policies that protect small-scale producers.

Also, by raising awareness about the benefits of fair trade, the partners aim to create a market environment where ethical sourcing becomes the standard, ensuring long-term sustainability for women in the industry.