The west African nation is the biggest producer of cocoa in the world, with farmers in the region of Tonkpi supplying chocolate global markets, including the UK. The group has put women through leadership programmes, built basic maternity clinics and set up entrepreneur associations in several remote villages. Women dancing outside the maternity clinic in the village of Podiagouime, near the city of Man (Chris Terry/Fairtrade/PA)“When a woman is about to deliver, it’s not comfortable. Midwife Ferehala Diarrasouba in the maternity clinic in the village of Podiagouime, near the city of Man (Chris Terry/Fairtrade/PA)“If a woman is independent, it really helps society. Members of the women’s Village Loan and Savings Association in Gouele, near the city of Man (Chris Terry/Fairtrade/PA)“My children are the ones who motivate me in this.

Source: The Times March 30, 2025 00:15 UTC