Celebrating the IWCA Honduras Chapter at the First CELAC Coffee Summit
The IWCA Honduras Chapter (AMUCAFE) proudly represented women in coffee at the first-ever Coffee Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in Honduras. This historic event brought together leaders, producers, and policymakers from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss the future of coffee farming, sustainability, and gender participation in the coffee value chain.
By participating in the CAFE EXPO at the summit, AMUCAFE members showcased the critical role of women in the Honduran coffee sector, reinforcing the country’s position as the fifth-largest coffee producer in the world. Their presence highlighted the power of women-led initiatives in shaping the future of coffee and strengthening commercial alliances that foster industry growth.
A Gathering of Global Coffee Leaders
This landmark event, hosted as part of Honduras’ pro tempore presidency of CELAC, welcomed an esteemed group of industry leaders, including:
Qu Dongyu, Director General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO)
Héctor Zelaya, Private Secretary of the President of Honduras
Carlos Murillo, Vice Minister of Coffee Farming, Honduras
Together, they engaged in meaningful discussions on sustainability, economic development, and the role of coffee as a driver for family economies across the region. The summit provided a key platform to establish new partnerships and commercial opportunities, reinforcing Honduras’ leadership in Latin American coffee production.
AMUCAFE: Promoting Possibilities for Women in Coffee
As a chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), AMUCAFE is dedicated to empowering women throughout the coffee supply chain, from bean to cup. With the guiding principle of “Promoting Possibilities,” the organization focuses on:
Building skills and leadership through training and knowledge exchange
Advocating for market access and economic opportunities for women in coffee
Reducing barriers and increasing visibility for women in national and international coffee forums
By participating in global events like the CELAC Coffee Summit, AMUCAFE amplifies the voices of women in coffee, ensuring they play an active role in shaping policies and industry decisions that impact their future.
Looking Ahead
The CELAC Coffee Summit set the stage for stronger regional collaboration in coffee production, with a clear commitment to sustainability, gender equity, and economic growth. AMUCAFE’s presence at this event was a powerful reminder that when women thrive, the coffee industry thrives.
We extend our gratitude to all who supported this initiative, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Honduras, and look forward to continuing the work of empowering women and building a more inclusive coffee industry.