Social Sustainability
| “...cultural diversity is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature.” |
| Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity-UNESCO |
We believe cultural diversity is important for the quality of human life and the long-term survival of humanity. Cultural diversity is under constant threat from cultural globalization, a process by which the experience of everyday life is becoming standardized around the world. Communication technologies, ease of transportation, mass migrations, international trade have all contributed to globalization.
Africa is a continent with a vast cultural wealth. However, over the past 600 years, Africa has had various foreign societal variables imposed on its people and social fabric - from foreign languages to religions and educational institutions. Today, as a result, many Africans suffer from identity confusion, and divisions created by introduced religions and beliefs prevent African nations from unifying. Furthermore, with communication technologies such as the internet and mobile phones, cultural globalization is increasing at an alarming rate in African communities
promoting ethnic and cultural equality.
used at our cooperative.
As an organization that is participating in international trade, it is our social responsibility to preserve and promote cultural diversity within our communities. Alaffia does this by placing fair value on indigenous, traditional cultural knowledge and resources. Not only do we use traditional shea butter extraction, but we also use local construction technologies for our cooperative buildings. Young people are shown that their own cultures, traditional resources and indigenous knowledge are as valuable as outside ones. Furthermore, we Alaffia is taking steps to reduce cultural colonialism by accepting all points of view and encouraging ethnic groups to work together. Our cooperative members represent almost all ethnic groups in Togo and our cooperative projects are conducted in all communities, regardless of religious or ethnic ties.
Cultivating Social Harmony
At our Shea Butter center, everyone involved is encouraged to dress as they wish, speak their own languages, and practice their traditional beliefs. Our Shea Butter cooperative is made up of women from various ethnic groups, which each have their own languages and religious preferences. We also promote and value indigenous African knowledge in handcrafting Shea Butter, which is deeply embedded in our society as well as other West African savanna societies. Cooperative members not required to speak or write French, which is a prerequisite for employment in almost every organization in Togo. These policies help to preserve local languages and cultures. Read more about the culture of shea butter in central Togo.
