IWCA Kenya launched AWICI Mashinani, a grassroots training program empowering women across Kenya’s coffee value chain with skills, knowledge, and market access to support long-term, inclusive growth.

Honoring Women in Coffee: Caribou Coffee & IWCA Partner for Impact

Amy’s Blend is more than just coffee—it’s a legacy. In honor of Caribou Coffee’s original roastmaster, Amy Erickson, this special blend supports women in coffee-growing communities. From March 6 – June 4, 2025, Caribou Coffee will donate $1 per bag sold (up to $50,000) to the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), with funds directly benefiting women in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Learn how this collaboration is making a difference and empowering women across the coffee value chain.

Read the full story and see how your purchase supports women in coffee.

Empowering Women in Coffee at AFCA 2025

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) was honored to participate in the AFCA 2025 Conference in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where we connected with industry leaders, shared stories of resilience, and advanced conversations on gender equity in coffee. From engaging discussions at our IWCA booth to a powerful Breakfast Fundraiser, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change.

Read more about the inspiring moments, key takeaways, and how your support continues to fuel opportunities for women across the global coffee supply chain.

IWCA Kenya, through AWICI, participated in the 19th Coffee Research Institute Coffee Fair, engaging farmers, researchers, and industry stakeholders around agricultural innovation and sustainable livelihoods.

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.