IWCA Vietnam's early spring visit to Son La brought protective workwear to women coffee farmers, addressing occupational safety for women smallholder coffee farmers facing daily physical risks in agricultural work.

IWCA Greece presented Greece's first quantitative research on women's roles in the coffee industry at HORECA 2025, bringing critical data about women's representation and workplace challenges into public conversation with industry partners' support.

In January 2025, IWCA chapters from across the world gathered in Florence, Italy, for a transformative two-day event focused on collaboration, leadership, and strengthening women's roles in the coffee industry. Hosted at the Accademia del Caffè Espresso, the encounter featured thought-provoking discussions, chapter presentations, and hands-on workshops, fostering meaningful connections and actionable strategies for the future. This milestone event set the foundation for continued growth and global impact.

IWCA Board Meeting in Guatemala: Strengthening Our Global Vision

The IWCA Board gathered in Guatemala for a pivotal meeting focused on strategic growth, collaboration, and impact across our global network. From advancing fundraising initiatives to strengthening chapter support, this meeting reinforced our commitment to empowering women in coffee.

Read more about the key takeaways and how IWCA is shaping the future of the industry.

IWCA Vietnam joined FAI's "Warm Smile" program at Po Mau school in Son La, bringing books to Hmong students whose families grow coffee—demonstrating how women in coffee leadership extends beyond the farm to community development.

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) proudly welcomes four dynamic leaders to our Board of Directors! Their expertise in coffee marketing, sustainability, nonprofit leadership, and global advocacy will strengthen our mission to empower women across the coffee industry.

✨ Meet Our New Board Members:

• Anke Erichsen – Coffee marketing and branding expert, specializing in specialty coffee and sustainability.

• Mbula Musau – Founder of Utake Coffee Limited, Q Instructor, and advocate for gender equity and youth empowerment in Africa.

• Noelia Villalobos – Executive Director of SCACR and Sintercafé, fostering industry collaboration and growth.

• Laura Brown – COO of Andean Health & Development, bringing expertise in nonprofit leadership and capacity-building.

With their leadership, IWCA will continue to expand education, market access, and collaboration opportunities for women in coffee worldwide.

IWCA Australia welcomes its 2024 Board of Directors, bringing fresh leadership and vision to empower women in coffee across the region. Stay tuned for updates as the chapter embarks on a new year of impactful initiatives.

IWCA's DR Congo chapter celebrated leadership author Ghislaine Kahambu Kambesa with a tasting of locally produced coffee and cacao made by women. Discover how women coffee leaders are building unity through empowerment, community, and the flavors of home.

Celebrating 16 Years of the Coffee Festival in Cameroon
In November 2024, IWCA participated in the 16th edition of the Coffee Festival in Koutaba, Cameroon, organized by COOPAGRO and the Syndicat des Communes du Noun. The event brought together producers, partners, and policymakers to reflect on the progress of Cameroon’s coffee sector, showcase women's leadership, and promote sustainable, community-driven growth across the value chain.

The IWCA South Korea Chapter hosted an inspiring IWCA International Summit during the Seoul Cafe Show, bringing together global chapter members, industry leaders, and coffee enthusiasts for an afternoon of connection, learning, and collaboration. From thought-provoking guest presentations to an exclusive IWCA cupping session featuring coffees from Brazil, Ethiopia, Burundi, Honduras, and Kenya, this event showcased the power of women in coffee. Read more about the highlights and key takeaways from this incredible gathering!

IWCA was honored to join the Swiss Coffee Trade Association (SCTA) Forum in Basel, an exclusive gathering of 900 industry leaders shaping the future of coffee. From EUDR compliance to sustainability initiatives, we engaged in key discussions that impact coffee producers worldwide. Our presence at this high-level event highlights IWCA’s growing influence in the global coffee trade.

Read more about our participation and the critical conversations driving industry change.

IWCA Honduras at the 1st CELAC Coffee Summit!

The IWCA Honduras Chapter played a pivotal role in the first-ever Coffee Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), showcasing the contributions of women in the Honduran coffee sector. This landmark event brought together leaders from 33 member countries, industry experts, and key organizations to discuss the future of sustainable coffee farming, market development, and gender inclusion.

Read more about how IWCA Honduras is making an impact on the global coffee stage!

New Resource Available: Microfinance Management Training Manual

Empowering women through financial education! 🌍☕ The Microfinance Management Training Manual is now available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French—providing essential tools for women entrepreneurs to access microcredit, build sustainable businesses, and achieve economic independence.

This practical guide offers a solidarity-based approach to microfinance, equipping women with the knowledge to manage loans, set pricing strategies, and strengthen their financial skills. With proven success in multiple countries, this manual is more than just a resource—it’s a pathway to empowerment.

"Grounds For Change" is an award-winning documentary that captures the inspiring efforts of Olga Hazard and the IWCA Guatemala chapter in advancing women's roles within the local coffee industry. Produced by film students from Northern Kentucky University, the documentary provides a compelling look at how innovative leadership and community collaboration can foster sustainability and gender equity in coffee production. Highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of Guatemalan coffee farmers, this film is a testament to the power of empowerment and education in transforming industries globally.

The FAO, in partnership with key organizations, is launching a transformative initiative to support rural women’s empowerment and environmental sustainability in Honduras, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. This program aligns with global efforts to advance gender equality and climate resilience, equipping women with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in agriculture.

Learn how this initiative is shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future!

Discover how the IWCA Guatemala Chapter is pioneering change in the coffee industry through its influential participation in CAFEX. The chapter led pivotal workshops and collaborated with key industry figures, highlighting the crucial role of women in driving sustainable coffee production. This coverage examines their strategic efforts to empower women, showcase their talents, and foster vital networks, underscoring the importance of integrating women's perspectives in evolving a resilient and equitable coffee industry.

In a remarkable display of international collaboration, the IWCA Uganda Chapter and Rwashoscco Coop of Rwanda, along with partners Kaffee Coop of Germany and Zicofe Ltd, have launched "Die Kaffee," a unique blend supporting women and youth in the coffee industry. This initiative, which involved a field visit to Uganda, highlights the power of global partnerships in enhancing the coffee value chain. Read the full story to see how these organizations are making a tangible impact.

We are excited to announce the Vital Impact Fund, an initiative by the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA). This fund strategically channels resources to empower women throughout the coffee value chain, focusing on areas that maximize impact and foster sustainability. Inspired by the dedication of IWCA co-founder Melissa Pugash and supported by community contributions, the Vital Impact Fund tackles crucial challenges like climate resilience and gender equity in the coffee industry. Learn how each donation enhances the lives and economic stability of women in coffee-producing communities worldwide.