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For generations, Ethiopian women have played an essential role in coffee farming. They nurture coffee plants, hand-sort beans, and perform the intricate tasks required to maintain the country’s reputation for high-quality coffee. However, systemic challenges have kept them from fully benefiting from their labor. * Limited Land Ownership: Land ownership is traditionally male-dominated, preventing women from making key agricultural and financial decisions. * Restricted Access to Training & Resources: In the past, only 4% of women participated in coffee training programs, leaving them at a disadvantage in improving coffee quality and profitability. Now, thanks to growing awareness and intervention, 43% of women are engaged in coffee training. * Financial Disparity: Despite performing most of the labor, women earn significantly less than men, with income shares ranging from 10-34%, depending on location and cooperative structures.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopian women have shown remarkable resilience. They are now stepping into leadership roles, forming cooperatives, and advocating for their rightful place in the industry. The growing participation in training programs and cooperative leadership is a promising sign of change.
1. Celebrating Women Through Our Coffee Names
All of our coffees are named after Ethiopian women, honoring their contributions and ensuring that their stories are heard. These names represent strength, history, and the deep cultural ties between Ethiopian women and coffee farming. Every bag of coffee serves as a tribute to their hard work and dedication.
2. Direct Trade & Fair Compensation
We work directly with Ethiopian coffee farmers, ensuring that more of the profits go back to the communities that produce the coffee. By cutting out unnecessary middlemen, we provide fair prices and better economic opportunities, particularly for women farmers who have historically been underpaid.
3. Supporting Women-Led Cooperatives
We actively seek out and support women-led cooperatives in Ethiopia. These cooperatives help women gain financial independence, access training programs, and secure better market opportunities. Through these partnerships, we help build stronger communities where women have a voice in decision-making.
4. Training & Skill Development
Access to education and training is essential for women in the coffee sector to thrive. We collaborate with local initiatives that provide training in coffee cultivation, processing, and business skills. By investing in education, we help women enhance their knowledge, improve their coffee quality, and increase their income.
5. Job Creation for Women
The economic impact of COVID-19 has been particularly severe for lone mothers and economically vulnerable women in Ethiopia. To support these women, we launched job creation projects in Hawassa, Addis Ababa, and Arba Minch.
Impact:* In Hawassa, we selected nine hardworking women and helped them establish a small café, which they now own and run together. This initiative provides them with a sustainable source of income and financial independence.
* By focusing on job creation, we empower women to become business owners and active contributors to their communities.
6. Sewing Machine Center
Unemployment in Ethiopia, especially in rural areas, remains a significant challenge. To address this, we established a sewing center in 2016, with the support of the local community, to provide vocational training to young people.
Impact:* 20 girls and boys have been trained in sewing and handwork, equipping them with valuable skills.
* The trainees have produced over 150 school uniforms, reducing local expenses and providing economic opportunities.
* Some trainees have since launched their own sewing businesses, fostering self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship.
7. Promoting Gender Equality in Coffee Farming
We advocate for gender equality in Ethiopia’s coffee industry by raising awareness and supporting policies that give women more control over land, resources, and financial opportunities. We believe that empowering women benefits not just individuals but entire communities by creating more stable and prosperous households.
International Coffee Organization (ICO) Report on Gender Equality: This comprehensive analysis highlights the gender gap in economic outcomes within the coffee sector, noting that women often experience lower yields and revenues compared to men. The report also discusses limited access to resources such as land, training, and finance for women.
The transformation of Ethiopia’s coffee sector is a testament to the determination of its women. Women's participation in coffee training programs has grown from just 4% to 43%, a significant step toward closing the gender gap. However, the work is far from over—women still receive only 10-34% of coffee income, highlighting the continued need for equitable opportunities.
Impact Roasters is proud to be part of this movement by ensuring that the women who make Ethiopian coffee exceptional receive the recognition, support, and financial rewards they deserve.When you choose Impact Roasters, you are not just enjoying high-quality Ethiopian coffee—you are also supporting a movement that empowers women, preserves cultural traditions, and promotes sustainable development. Every sip tells a story of resilience, progress, and a brighter future for women in Ethiopian coffee.Let’s continue to honor, uplift, and empower the women who make our coffee possible.
