Imagine a world where every worker in the palm oil industry, regardless of gender, feels safe and protected on the job. That's the ambitious goal driving the 2025 JAGASAWITAN meeting, the annual gathering of the Employment Network for Sustainable Palm Oil. But here's where it gets controversial: while the industry has made strides in sustainability, occupational safety and health (OSH), especially for women, remains a critical yet often overlooked issue. This year's meeting aims to change that by putting a spotlight on gender-responsive OSH practices in the palm oil sector.
The event will serve as a unique platform for open dialogue between GAPKI and JAPBUSI, two key players under the JAGASAWITAN umbrella. They'll share their successes, challenges, and insights into creating safer work environments, particularly for women workers who often face unique risks. For instance, consider the image of a woman in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, meticulously spraying pesticides around oil palm trees using an extended pole—a task that, without proper protective gear and training, can expose her to harmful chemicals. This is the part most people miss: the intersection of gender and OSH in an industry dominated by male-centric safety standards.
The meeting’s objectives are twofold: first, to deepen understanding of gender-responsive OSH in the palm oil sector, and second, to gather actionable feedback and recommendations from stakeholders. The agenda is packed with insightful sessions, including a presentation by Yuka Ujita, an ILO OSH Senior Specialist, who will delve into gender-based OSH challenges in the industry. This will be followed by a Q&A session, ensuring participants can engage directly with the experts.
But here’s the bold question: Can the palm oil industry truly claim sustainability if half its workforce remains disproportionately vulnerable? We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s not just talk about change—let’s make it happen.
Here’s a glimpse of the day’s schedule:
- 08.00 – 09.00: Registration
- 09.00 – 09.10: Welcoming Remarks
- 09.10 – 09.30: Opening Remarks by JAGASAWITAN and ILO
- 09.30 – 09.45: Introduction to the RealGains Project by Dede Sudono, ILO National Project Coordinator
- 09.45 – 10.00: Coffee Break
- 10.00 – 10.45: Presentation on Gender-based OSH by Yuka Ujita
- 10.45 – 11.30: Q&A Session
- 11.30 – 12.00: Socialisation on SAKERNAS by Abdul Hakim, ILO Project Officer
- 12.00 – 13.00: Lunch
- 13.00 – 16.00: JAGASAWITAN Coordination Meeting
This meeting isn’t just another event—it’s a call to action. Will you be part of the solution?
