The GEM Awards
Movement, momentum, milestone
Be a GEM.
Fund a GEM.
Building a Movement for Gender Equity in Agriculture
You are bold. You do things that matter. You lead, and support others to lead. You are a GEM.
In 2026, Equal Origins will celebrate the UN Year of the Woman Farmer by honoring extraordinary women advancing gender equity through the GEM Awards, Gender Equity in Movement, Momentum & Milestone.
Together, we are building a global movement of GEMs: leaders, mentors, and changemakers transforming the future of farming.
The GEM Awards
The GEM Awards recognize individuals advancing gender equity in farming communities around the world.
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Movement – Celebrating those building collective action and systemic change for gender equity.
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Momentum – Recognizing innovators driving progress in their communities and industries.
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Milestone – Honoring leaders achieving breakthrough change and opening new doors for women farmers.
Each honoree’s story demonstrates the power of inclusion, and each award opens the door to continued growth through the GEM Mentorship Program.
The GEM Mentorship Program
The GEM Mentorship Program is a six-month leadership development experience designed to elevate women leaders and gender equity champions across the global coffee industry.
Modeled after the hospitality sector’s Raise the Bar Mentorship Alliance framework, the program pairs emerging leaders with seasoned industry mentors to advance equity, strengthen community, and create lasting impact across the coffee value chain.
Each GEM mentee embarks on a transformational journey, gaining the tools, guidance, and global network to grow their leadership, amplify their voice, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Through mentorship, storytelling, and connection, the GEM Mentorship Program builds momentum for a more inclusive and sustainable future for coffee.
Program Overview
Each year, up to 12 GEM mentees are selected to participate in a curated six-month experience that blends:
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1:1 Mentorship – Personalized guidance from global coffee and agricultural leaders.
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Collective Learning – Workshops on leadership, advocacy, and gender equity in supply chains.
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Storytelling & Visibility – Support to share their stories and amplify women’s voices.
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Community of GEMs – A lifelong network of peers and mentors championing one another’s success.
How Sponsorship Works
For every $10,000 GEM Sponsorship, you help shape the next generation of women leaders in coffee by funding two mentee opportunities:
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One GEM Mentee (Selected by Equal Origins) – A woman leader identified through the GEM Awards network and chosen by the GEM leadership team to join the mentorship cohort.
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One Sponsor-Nominated Mentee – A participant you select directly from your own network to take part in the same cohort.
Your contribution also supports:
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Mentorship, Training & Travel – Covering all program costs for both mentees.
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Storytelling & Advocacy – Ensuring their journeys are shared across the global coffee community.
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Network Participation – Connecting them to the growing movement of GEMs leading change in agriculture.
Other Ways to Give
Not everyone has a direct country connection, and some may want to give more broadly. Every contribution adds brilliance to the movement.
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Full Sponsorship ($10,000) – Fund two mentees and their shared journey of growth.
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Crystal Gift ($1,000+) – Strengthen the global GEM Awards and Mentorship Program.
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Spark Gift (Any Amount) – Add your light to the movement — every gift matters.
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Group Sponsorship – Combine gifts with friends, family, or colleagues to reach a full sponsorship.
Prefer to spread your gift? You may pledge $5,000 in 2025 and $5,000 in 2026 to fulfill your sponsorship.