Malawi welcomes abuse settlement

Malawi’s Government has welcomed the decision by UK firm Camellia Group to pay $3m to 36 women who allege they were raped, abused and sexually harassed at two tea estates. The victims worked for Eastern Produce Malawi, Camellia's subsidiary, which is Malawi's largest tea producer and accounts for approximately 38% of total tea output. BBC News reports that the company employs thousands of workers on tea plantations in the south of the country. A statement issued by Leigh Day, a law firm that represented the women, said there would be compensation for the individual claimants. In addition, a number of measures designed to improve the safety and security of female employees will be introduced. ‘Although the government regards tea companies as partners in development, it condemns the raping and abusing women, or any other malpractices in tea estates,’ said Gender Minister Patricia Kaliati.