SUPPORTING STRONG WOMEN

“When I have coffee, I have a voice!”

These are the words of Odette Murakatete (pictured below), founding member and leader of Rambagirakawa, a women’s association within the Dukunde Kawa cooperative in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Since forming in 2012, the all-women group has advocated tirelessly for greater autonomy, support and resources for Rwanda’s female landowners and coffee farmers.

Besides farming and processing their coffee crops, Rambagirakawa’s members have wholeheartedly pursued additional income opportunities, like basket weaving and embroidery, to develop greater independence both economically and socially. The result is an empowered and ambitious alliance of women, whose ever-expanding activities focus on creating opportunity and success for the women and children in their community.

Through the Supporting Strong Women campaign, the Australian coffee community aims to raise $15,000 by June 2024 to construct a day care centre for the women of Rambagirakawa and the wider coffee producing community. Accomplishing this long-held goal will directly impact the women’s productivity and prosperity, while also ensuring their children are cared for in a safe, happy and nurturing environment, surrounded by their community and with their mums, aunties and grandmothers close by.

By participating in this campaign, you become part of the compelling story of these strong and resourceful women and the important role they play in the ongoing success of Rwandan specialty coffee production.

Thanks for Supporting Strong Women!