Top women leaders in panel discussion
The panel discussion was moderated by food and chocolate journalist Simran Sethi, who led a lively discussion with three women in leadership positions: Madame Toure-Litsé – Director General of the Cocoa & Coffee Council of Côte d'Ivoire, Cathy Pieters – Director Cocoa Life Program at Mondelez International and Maricel Presilla – award-winning chef, author and culinary historian. Feedback during the discussion included reactions such as “more confidence, more recognition for contributions by women is still needed”, “if you invest in women empowerment you empower the whole family”, “women empowerment is now higher on the agenda, which is an achievement”.
Why a women’s network?
While women play a big role in the production of cocoa and the consumption of chocolate, they have little influence in the sector. It’s time to change that.
We should stop only talking about women in the cocoa fields, and start talking about what we as women can do throughout the supply chain. Collectively we can encourage and empower women leadership.” – Beatrice Moulianitaki – Initiator of WINCC, cocoa programme manager for Solidaridad
What comes next?
Through a digital platform on LinkedIn, women can connect, sign up for annual events and participate in professional working groups.