The Child Rights in Business Podcast

CRIB S2 Ep. 6: A Conversation with THIRST CEO Sabita Banerji on Poverty and Change in the Global Tea Industry

In Episode 6 of the CRIB Child Rights in Business podcast, we discuss challenges related to poverty among tea workers in the global tea industry with Sabita Banerji, CEO and Founder of THIRST, interviewed by Ahila Thillainathan, Sri Lanka Country Director for The Centre for Child Rights and Business. Despite tea being the world’s second most popular drink after water, the workers who produce it often live in poverty. Sabita sheds light on why this is the case, explaining how the denial of poverty within the tea sector keeps workers from achieving acceptable living standards and the role THIRST plays in raising awareness of this. As young people leave the industry in search of better opportunities, Sabita highlights the importance of acknowledging the problem and taking collective responsibility to address it. This episode also explores how consumers can play a role in creating change. Sabita argues that it’s not just about paying more for tea, but about understanding its true value—both in terms of quality and ethics. The conversation also covers creative solutions to achieving living wages for tea workers, gender equity, what the future of the tea industry could look like and more.

CRIB S2 Ep. 7: A Conversation with Ahmad Tea on Fair Wages in Tea

In Episode 7, we bring you a conversation recorded live at this year’s Colombo Tea Convention. Our CEO, Ines Kaempfer, sits down with Dr. Ebrahim Afshar, Managing Director of Ahmad Tea, to discuss a critical issue: ensuring fair wages for tea workers. They explore how Ahmad Tea is challenging the status quo, pushing for tea prices that truly benefit the farmers, and encouraging consumers to support products that meet living wage criteria. Dr. Afshar also introduces a new initiative focused on making direct digital payments to tea pluckers—an important step towards paying fair wages. 

CRIB S2 Ep. 8: Simon Bell on Fair Wages and Local Empowerment at Amba Estate

In this episode, our Sri Lanka Country Director Ahila Thillainathan sits down with Simon Bell, co-founder and Managing Director of AMBA Estate, a social enterprise that is reshaping the Sri Lankan tea industry through sustainable practices and local community empowerment.    Simon shares how AMBA Estate’s unique approach—focusing on fair wages, local hiring, and creating opportunities for skill development—has made it a model of responsible business in Sri Lanka. He discusses the challenges of the traditional tea industry and how AMBA’s people-centric practices are attracting a new generation to work in tea. From revenue-sharing models to career advancement for workers, Simon offers insights into creating a thriving business that benefits both employees and the broader community.   More on Amba Estate: www.ambaestate.com More on The Centre for Child Rights and Business: www.childrights-business.org More on The Mother and Child-Friendly Seal for Responsible Business: www.srilanka-motherandchildseal.org Contact us: info.SL@childrights-business.org   

CRIB S2 Ep. 9: A Conversation with Diana Jendoubi from Tea Journey on Sustainability and Storytelling in Tea

In the final episode of Season 2 of the CRIB Podcast, we sit down with Diana Jendoubi, a writer for Tea Journey. Diana shares her insights on Sri Lanka’s tea industry, what drives sustainability, and the role of consumers in supporting tea communities. Plus, we learn more about Tea Journey, a digital magazine bringing global stories from the tea world in over a dozen languages.   Learn more about Tea Journey here: https://teajourney.pub/    All episodes of the CRIB Podcast Season 2 can be found here: https://www.childrights-business.org/resources/listen-to-season-2-of-the-crib-child-rights-in-business-podcast   All episodes of the CRIB Podcast Season 1 can be found here: https://www.srilanka-motherandchildseal.org/Home/Podcast      Thanks for supporting this podcast! Look out for a new season in 2025!