Women in Cotton

Women in cotton is a committee developed by the ICA to try and increase diversity amongst its members and within the industry as a whole.

EU Legislation – Why it matters to the cotton community >

What is the WiC’s mission?

To promote diversity and inclusion by giving women a stronger voice and to increase the engagement and impact of women in the global cotton community.

Our 2025 objectives include:

  • Increase the representatives of women on ICA committees by 49% by 2026, as well as women speakers in high profile Industry event.
  • Grow the Social Media community by 50% and Engage with the community at least twice a week.
  • Organize virtual events every 6 weeks with attendance of at least 50 people.
  • Identify and Measure the incidence and progress of Women in the Industry.

How can you get involved?

Whether you are a man or a woman in the industry, you can:

  • Support Women in Cotton through social media with likes, shares and contributions of relevant content. Join our Women in Cotton LinkedIn group and Facebook group – don’t forget to use #WomeninCotton!
  • Contact wic@ica-ltd.org with ideas or offers to get involved
  • Access our library of previous events on the ICA’s WiC YouTube Playlist > 
  • If there is a local WiC group, reach out to them and get involved. If you’re unsure if your area has a local group, please check with wic@ica-ltd.org
  • Help us to plan and deliver our Chats for Change events! Contact wic@ica-ltd.org with your ideas for future events and how you might contribute in delivering them
  • Sign up to our eNewsletter to be the first to know about upcoming events here >
  • You can also show your support by adding the Women in Cotton virtual ‘button’ to your email Signatures. If you are interested, simply email wic@ica-ltd.org and we will send you the imagery with a quick guide for installing.

Women in Cotton Events

Chats for Change

Online events for men and women in the cotton industry which focus on professional development and overcoming gender barriers.

Find out about the latest event >

Women in Action

New online events spotlighting women sharing their industry knowledge with participants.

Find out about the latest event >

The thing about cotton

A new podcast from the ICA brought to you by Women in Cotton.

Find out more & listen >

2024 Calendar of Events:

Are you in a leadership position?

We ask you to take this pledge and become a ‘Cotton Champion for Change’:

I pledge daily to respect women & encourage them into positions of influence in my business, I commit to identifying opportunities for three women within my organisation to advance their career paths, to add to diversity & create positive change.

Five simple steps you can take to support women in cotton:

  1. Check & challenge your company’s current diversity policy
  2. Approach a colleague to encourage them to join the Women in Cotton LinkedIn group (request to join the group >)
  3. Talk to your male & female colleagues about the benefits of diversity
  4. Implement compensation equality
  5. Promote work/life balance & workplace flexibility

 

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