How EFI and CIW Support Women Farmworkers

Women in farmwork have faced extraordinary challenges for generations, from low wages and systemic inequities to the prevalence of harassment and unsafe working conditions. However, Bon Appétit has long followed the lead of organizations like the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), who are driving meaningful change through innovative programs and codes of conduct, working to create safer, more equitable workplaces for women in agriculture. 

The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) focuses on fostering respect and accountability in agricultural workplaces. EFI provides farmworkers, supervisors, and management with training to prevent and address sexual harassment while also establishing clear, retaliation-free reporting mechanisms. These efforts are designed to create an environment where every worker, especially women, feels empowered to speak up without fear. With senior leadership involved, EFI sets a tone of accountability from the top down, ensuring that policies are not just written but actively upheld. This proactive approach is a much-needed step forward, addressing the systemic risks we highlighted in our first article. 

Meanwhile, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) has revolutionized workplace protections through its groundbreaking Fair Food Program. The program enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and abuse, ensuring swift and serious consequences for violations. Through the Fair Food Standards Council, CIW monitors compliance with regular audits, worker interviews, and anonymous reporting systems. Their worker-to-worker education programs empower farmworkers by teaching them about their rights and protections, which are key in breaking cycles of exploitation. 

As we reflect on the stories of resilience from women farmworker’s rights activists for National Farmworker Awareness Week, it’s clear that today’s initiatives build on the hard-fought progress of the past. Programs like EFI and CIW’s Fair Food Program don’t just create rules  —they actively engage workers, especially women, in shaping and enforcing protections. By prioritizing dignity and respect, these organizations offer a roadmap for equity in agriculture while honoring the legacy of women leaders who fought for justice. Supporting these initiatives ensures that the progress achieved by past generations continues to inspire and empower farmworkers today.