International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)

Health and Well-Being, Economic Opportunity
International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA)

Geography: Global

Founded: 2003

About the International Women's Coffee Alliance (IWCA)

The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) strives to create a difference in the world of coffee. With a mission to "empower women in the international coffee community to achieve meaningful and sustainable lives; and to encourage and recognize the participation of women in all aspects of the coffee industry," the IWCA, from its inception, has remained focused on promoting possibilities for women in coffee communities throughout the world. The IWCA offers an opportunity for social and economic empowerment.

The IWCA is a global network of women in coffee that advocates for the reduction of barriers to empowerment these women face. The organization provides access to resources by creating a forum in which women connect with others throughout the coffee chain from seed to cup. IWCA chapters operate in producer and consumer countries across the globe.

Women involved in coffee production are often invisible, unheard, and without the knowledge or means to improve their standing in their families and communities. The IWCA has been working since 2003 to educate, train, and connect women to help them gain their independence. Women are usually responsible for the post-harvest processing of coffee beans, and learning about about the final product helps them make better choices in processing the crop. A better understanding of their product also helps the women advocate for themselves in commercialization.

IWCA's goal is to empower women with the knowledge and monetary support that will help raise the status of women in coffee growing communities throughout the world.