Colombia Cauca

Our Story: When the Café Femenino Colombia Program began in 2004, there were several barriers for the women to overcome to get their new organization up and running. Due to an ingrained social stigma against women leaving their homes, many women did not attend the initial Café Femenino meetings. There were additional difficulties due to the women’s lack of self-esteem stemming from an acute awareness of their lack of formal education. The women of the Café Femenino Colombia Program rose above these barriers to become a shining example of the courage and power of women standing up together to shape a better future. Since 2004, the Café Femenino Colombia Program has had far-reaching effects in the community, as the women now earn a higher premium, and importantly, have control of the additional revenue to fund trainings on gender equality, leadership, health, and food security. Now 438 women strong, the women’s husbands and their communities are on board with the new status and success the women have achieved. In fact, the local governments have noted the benefits of a robust, autonomous group of business women and are supporting the efforts of the Café Femenino Colombia Program as a result. In Colombia, due to the demands of a prevalent drug trade, it is difficult to convince farmers to plant coffee instead of coca. The women farmers of the Café Femenino Colombia Program have been steadfast in their commitment to growing coffee, as they seek to build a positive, healthy community in everything they do. The women feel empowered in their new roles as community leaders and decision-makers, and their ability to voice their perspectives like never before. As the women began to meet regularly, they quickly gained traction within their community and were able to collectively find solutions to their shared problems. Their undeniable success has increased their visibility at home and in the community, and led to a much higher regional profile for women coffee producers as a powerful force for good.