AOII Receives Golden Leaf Award for Women's Empowerment

Alliance One International, LLC is pleased to announce that Alliance One Industries India Pvt. Ltd. (AOII) has received a 2023 Golden Leaf Award. The prize acknowledges AOII's exceptional sustainability strategy focused at empowering women in tobacco-growing areas.

The Women Empowerment Project, which began in Vinukonda, India, in 2021, has been critical in creating economic viability and cultural development.

In this region, where women's education and career opportunities have historically been limited, AOII, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization ASSIST and a Company customer, provides female project participants with training and resources to start microbusinesses such as sheep rearing, grocery retail, and tailoring. Furthermore, these participants are mentored by women who have successfully changed their economic condition as a result of the programme.

The Women Empowerment Project has assisted 186 women since its beginning, with an average increase in monthly household income of 10%.

"This collaborative effort helps address systemic issues, promotes stability, and supports our contracted farmers, their families, and communities," said David Hird, Alliance One's Regional Director of Asia.

We are dedicated to growing this effort, with 55 new participants expected in 2023 and more on the way." The award was given during the 2023 Global Tobacco and Nicotine Forum in Seoul, and it recognized AOII's commitment to make a good influence in the communities in which they operate.