The Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV), which includes Utu Wetu as one of its members, has released a new report that brings to light what women workers in Kenya’s tea industry go through each day.
This study was conducted to collect stories from women who have experienced harm at work, to understand why these problems persist, and to examine the actions, or lack thereof, of those in charge to prevent them.
Many people enjoy a cup of tea without knowing what happens behind the scenes. But for the women who work on tea farms and in tea factories, this cup of tea comes with a cost. Some women have been abused, others face unsafe conditions, and many are not given fair treatment under labor laws. This report explains what is happening, based on real stories from the women themselves.
The goal of the study was not just to collect information, but to help bring about change. It examines the systems in place and how they fail to protect women. It also examines the culture in workplaces and communities that enables this harm to persist. Most importantly, it asks whether those responsible, including employers, state agencies, unions, and civil society, have the tools and the will to stop these violations and protect workers.
The report is called “Analysis of Women Workers’ Experiences of Rights Violations in Kenya’s Tea Sector.” It includes findings from several regions in Kenya where tea is grown. It covers a range of issues: forced sex, unwanted touching, threats to lose jobs, long hours with no breaks, pay that does not match the work done, and a lack of support when workers report these issues.
We’ve officially launched the study report “An Analysis of Women Workers’ Experiences of Rights Violations in Kenya’s Tea Sector.”
Behind your tea are stories of exploitation, unsafe work and silence.
Here's the link to the report https://t.co/1Zu3rmWXKy#ProtectTeaWorkers pic.twitter.com/rhHnSikwhm
— Coalition Against Sexual Violence (@CoalitionAgSV) June 27, 2025
This report is not just about naming the problems, but also provides steps that can be taken to address them. These include better laws, stronger inspections, clear complaint systems that work, and more awareness among both workers and employers. It also calls for support systems that help survivors speak out and get justice.
For those who believe that work should be safe and that no one should be harmed for doing their job, this report is an essential read. It asks tea companies to look at how their products are made. It calls on government offices to do their jobs. It also calls on the public to pay attention and speak out.
Utu Wetu stands in solidarity with the women who shared their stories in this report. We will continue to advocate for action so that women in the tea sector, as well as in all workplaces, are treated with fairness, safety, and respect.
You can read the full report here: Study Report – Women Workers’ Experiences of SEAH in Kenya’s Tea Industry FINAL_2025-06-23_01