Our Impact

Championing women

While palm oil production is a critical sector for rural employment in Ghana, women—often referred to as "oil palm mamas" or "market queens"—face considerable challenges, including lack of access to land and funding. At CB Palms, (named after our founder's mother, to celebrate her, we are actively working to bridge this gap by offering women wages 25% above the national average and providing micro-financing opportunities. This support allowed women like Mary Larbi to fund their children's education some of whom are training to start businesses including as soap-making from palm oil waste.

Navigating the Dynamics

Recent studies, such as those by CIFOR-ICRAF, have begun to address these gender dynamics by examining the roles women play and the challenges they face, thus highlighting areas for improvement in both formal and informal sectors. Although the informal mills provide opportunities aligned with traditional gender roles, they are often characterized by health hazards and poor working conditions, with most being owned by men. CB Palms seeks to address these inequalities by introducing a more equitable environment where both male and female workers can benefit and thrive

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

At CB Palms, we integrate sustainability with our business strategy, ensuring environmental protection alongside economic benefits for local communities. By adopting modern techniques and technologies, we improve both productivity and working conditions, minimizing environmental impacts like carbon emissions and waste. Our commitment is reinforced by aligning with industry standards and using insights from research to ensure gender-responsive practices. Collaborating with partners who share our values helps us contribute to a just and sustainable palm oil industry.

Partnerships

Engaging with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) enhances our ability to create a lasting impact. By building partnerships with NGOs and government bodies, we can amplify our social impact and drive meaningful change across the industry. Women like Mary Larbi demonstrate the achievements possible when barriers are removed and resources are provided. Empowering women in this way not only fulfills a moral responsibility but also strengthens the industry's economic foundation by bringing diverse perspectives and resilience.