2020 IWCA Case Studies Highlight Success in Honduras & Peru
Contributed by Cari Trimyer, IWCA Communications Team Volunteer
International Coffee Day (October 1) and International Day of Rural Women (October 15) are great opportunities for us to reflect on the role that coffee plays in our lives, as well as the women who contribute to our industry, from bean to boardroom.
As a global network, IWCA connects independent organizations (IWCA Chapters) across more than 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America & the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Each chapter pursues their own strategic in-country priorities, and are united by the IWCA Global mission. As a locally-driven, globally-connected empowerment organization, our impact is defined by those who achieve it. The IWCA Case Studies demonstrate the community impact of empowering the women throughout the global chapter network. This year, in honor of International Coffee Day and International Day of Rural Women, we are excited to share two new additions to the IWCA Case Study Library.
The IWCA Honduras Case Study demonstrates the numerous accomplishments and strategic partnerships IWCA Honduras, known as Alliance of Mujeres en Cafe (AMUCAFE), has achieved since its inception in 2013, ranging from economic empowerment to climate change mitigation. In just a few years, this group is a leading example of working together, aligned by a common mission.
The IWCA Peru Case Study demonstrates the power of identifying opportunities and working to make them a reality. Members of IWCA Peru wanted to organize a national barista competition to celebrate the coffee of Peru and contributions of women. Despite challenges during the formation process, they launched the first competition featuring female baristas in 2017. They continued to build on their success in 2019 with a second national competition that celebrated the best female baristas in the country.
The 2020 IWCA Case Studies reflect inspiring impact in Honduras and Peru, and help us to recognize that all IWCA chapters are driving forward to empower women and achieve sustainable livelihoods. We invite you to check them out as sip your favorite roast, and join us in celebrating the unlimited potential for positive impact when we come together. Connect. Empower. Advance.
Strong Women = Strong Coffee.