(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MondelÄ“z International today announced new action plans to accelerate women's empowerment across four cocoa origin countries as part of Cocoa Life, the company's cocoa sustainability program. The company launched specific women's empowerment action plans in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire in 2014 and is now expanding to include two additional origin countries, Indonesia and Dominican Republic. These new action plans will empower more than 100,000 women in over 1,000 communities in these four countries.

Based on program learnings and insights from international and local partners, the plans focus on promoting women's empowerment across five focus areas: farming, community, youth, livelihoods and environment. Women's empowerment plans are tailored according to local needs and supported by a change methodology that links resources, activities, outcomes and ultimate impact. All activities across the origins are regularly assessed for opportunities for greater, more sustainable impact.

"As a company, we're committed to offering snacks that are made the right way and that includes transforming our cocoa supply chain to grow opportunities for farmers and communities," said Cathy Pieters, Cocoa Life Director. "We believe women's empowerment plays a crucial role in creating sustainable cocoa communities. Based on our experience, in communities where women's voices are heard and treated equally, we see rising incomes, better management of family finances and increased school attendance. This translates to greater economic success and more sustainable cocoa farming. Women's empowerment grows opportunities for all."

"Women's empowerment is a top priority for Oxfam and underpins the UN's Sustainable Development Goals," said Sarah Zoen, Senior Advisor, Private Sector Department, Oxfam America.  "We welcome Cocoa Life's commitment to women's empowerment and recognize the detailed and locally sensitive nature of their plans. We are very pleased that MondelÄ“z International is expanding this commitment by taking part in Oxfam's SIWEE initiative, a multi-stakeholder approach to drive systemic change on women's economic empowerment across agricultural value chains in Ghana. We call on more businesses to recognize the opportunities inherent in boosting women's empowerment across their supply chains."

The existing Cocoa Life action plans have already sparked measurable impact. By expanding access to Village Savings and Loans Associations to women in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, Cocoa Life action plans have already greatly contributed to women's empowerment, helping women gain greater access to and control over both household and productive resources. The Cocoa Life program provides 50,000 women annually with access to finance to fund education and encourage entrepreneurship, in order to give them a voice and unlock their potential. Over 59,000 community members have also been trained in gender awareness to change perceptions, attitudes and behaviors, and to address gender inequalities. 

A full copy of the Women's Empowerment Action Plans report is available at https://bit.ly/2RildoV.

About Mondelēz International

MondelÄ“z International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in approximately 160 countries around the world. With 2017 net revenues of approximately $26 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as Oreo, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. MondelÄ“z International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor's 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

About Cocoa Life

Cocoa Life aims to create empowered and thriving cocoa farming communities, reaching more than 200,000 farmers across six countries and benefiting more than a million people by 2022. MondelÄ“z International's ultimate goal is to sustainably source all the company's cocoa supply, mainly via Cocoa Life. By working in partnership with farmers, NGOs, suppliers and government institutions, Cocoa Life is part of MondelÄ“z International's Impact for Growth- a commitment to driving business growth with positive change in the world. Follow our progress on www.cocoalife.org/progress.

Mondelez International

Mondelez International

Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2019 net revenues of approximately $26 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

More from Mondelez International