Ten years ago today, on the very first International Coffee Day, we stood on stage at the EXPOMILAN to celebrate with representatives from Lavazza, Illy Caffe, Oxfam Italia, alongside Sebastian Salgado and Jeffrey Sachs
Our words were clear that “women farmers are key to the industry achieving its goals on sustainability and resilience”. These words are still true today, even as we celebrate a decade of progress to achieve #genderequity in coffee – we still have a long way to go.
This International Coffee Day, as we look ahead to the UN 2026 International Year of the Women Farmer, we’re proud to launch a fundraising campaign dedicated to the women who grow our coffee. These women are the backbone of the supply chain—planting, harvesting, and processing beans that fuel a global industry—yet they often face systemic barriers to land ownership, training, and leadership opportunities. It’s time to shift the narrative from invisibility to recognized agency and influence.
Equal Origins is leading the charge by advancing gender equity across coffee-producing communities. Through its #GenderEquityIndex and inclusive training programs, Equal Origins helps cooperatives and supply chain partners identify gaps, implement solutions, and measure progress toward more equitable outcomes. Their work ensures that women farmers are not only recognized but also resourced and represented in decision-making roles.
This campaign invites coffee industry leaders to invest in a future where equity is not an aspiration but a standard. Your support will fund leadership workshops, access to finance, and tools for gender-inclusive data collection—critical steps toward a more resilient and just coffee sector. Every dollar raised is a vote of confidence in the women who make coffee possible.
Let’s honor their labor with action. Join us in supporting Equal Origins and help build a coffee industry where women farmers thrive.
Join Us – Donate here: https://givebutter.com/standwithwomenfarmers
#standwithwomenfarmers