Pan-African private equity firm Adenia Partners achieved a milestone in gender equality impact with its investment in Kenyan premium rose producer Red Lands Roses.

Red Lands Roses employs a sustainable approach in its rose-growing practices which includes hydroponic methods that allow the cultivation of flowers without using soil.

The project was highlighted by one IMPACT awards judge who praised Adenia for the fact the programme "combines agriculture investment with a gender equality initiative".

Red Lands is one of several Adenia portfolio companies to have a gender action plan that covers recruitment, remuneration, and training.

Adenia's investment also has several other gender-related features that stand-out:

• The company was founded by a woman – agronomist Isabelle Spindler;
• 55% of employees are female;
• Has a gender policy, a gender committee, and a grievance mechanism for gender-based violence;
• It is a woman-led organisation.

After acquiring Red Lands, Adenia recruited a female CEO, Disha Copreaux, whilst retaining its founders. The private equity firm also set up a board of directors comprised of more than 50% women.

Such an approach was noted by the IMPACT awards judges, with one commenting: "It is good to see women-led businesses celebrated and with a strong emphasis on gender equality built into the social initiatives and environmental policies. The gender gap assessment and gender action plan are models that should be used as best practice in this area."

Red Lands aims to campaign against gender-based violence through training amongst its employees.

Looking ahead, Red Lands plans to continue advocating for female employee workplace empowerment, while continuing the education of all employees on community matters.

Adenia acquired a majority stake in Red Lands' parent company Altilands in 2021.