About this webinar
The system of strict hierarchies established during British colonial rule in South Asia and East Africa continue to shape relationships between tea plantation workers, management and communities today. While providing structure that enables this complex system to function, it can also have the negative consequence of limiting workers’ voices and opportunities, especially for women, who make up most of the workforce.
Trade unions have long fought for workers’ rights but the prevailing systems can limit their effectiveness. So, what additional models can help strengthen worker voice and build more balanced and respectful relationships across the tea sector?
This question lies at the heart of THIRST’s ongoing research into alternative approaches to tea, which explores new ways to address the deep-rooted power imbalances that continue to affect tea communities worldwide.
What you’ll learn
This webinar will explore the Community Development Forum (CDF) model, an inclusive approach that brings together plantation workers, management, local government and community members to discuss and resolve everyday issues like workplace dignity, dispute resolution and how supervisors treat workers.
Sometimes called “mini-parliaments,” CDFs create safe spaces for dialogue, shared problem-solving and leadership development. The results have been promising with improved trust, stronger productivity and greater participation by women in decision-making.
At the same time, this approach is not without its challenges. Building genuine trust takes time and deeply ingrained relationships can be slow to change. Sustained investment, commitment from management and careful attention to inclusion are vital to make the forums work and last.
Why attend
- Learn how CDFs have worked in Sri Lanka and are inspiring similar initiatives across other tea-growing regions.
- Hear from Vindhya Fernando, Head of Advisory Services at Chrysalis, who will share insights into how social dialogue platforms like CDFs can strengthen human rights and sustainability.
- Explore both the successes and challenges of implementing CDFs and what they reveal about change within the plantation system.
- Discover what it takes (e.g. time, trust, collaboration and long-term commitment) to make sustainable change possible in the tea sector.
