Women of Coffee: A New Generation of Growers, Environmental Justice, and Their Future.
In Oaxaca, Mexico, women coffee farmers face significant challenges in breaking down deeply rooted family and traditional barriers. For generations, their families expected them to stay at home, forcing them to sacrifice opportunities. Despite their substantial contributions to coffee production and processing, their role was historically undervalued, often seen merely as ‘helpers’ and compensated accordingly, if at all.
Ready to Lead
Now, with the Women of Coffee Project (Somos Cafetaleras), SiKanda collaborates with groups of women coffee producers in four municipalities across two regions of Oaxaca. Faced with economic, community, and climate challenges, women have stepped up, breaking into a traditionally male-dominated market and taking on the generational role to lead the family business in new territories.
Pivoting
Patricia holds a BA in Psychology from a university in the state of Puebla. Her life seemed destined for a different career path, away from agriculture, until COVID-19 hit in 2019, forcing her return to the family home. Along with her cousin and mother, she became involved in training in innovative techniques for soil conservation. Like her, many other women in the community became involved in initiatives to improve economic, labor, and sustainability conditions, as well as to advance rights and equity for women and young people.
Community, equity and justice
The creativity and innovation women bring to coffee cultivation are key to fostering a more harmonious relationship with nature. This approach also drives a community vision that advocates for fairer, more sustainable trade, providing decent livelihoods for families while respecting the land—a critical necessity in the face of recent damaging climate disruptions.
Invest in their future
Through the Women of Coffee Project, SiKanda leverages its expertise in women’s rights, entrepreneurship, and cooperative economics to strengthen women’s capacities, helping them realize opportunities for themselves and future generations who maintain the tradition of coffee as a vital livelihood in Oaxaca; therefore, not only for the love of coffee but for a more just world, we ask you to donate to support and accompany these women coffee growers in their journey to develop.
From the USA your donation can be tax deductible through our ally Puente a la Salud Comunitaria 501(c)(3) organization [EIN 30-0258491].
Email us with any comment or question about donations: donaciones@sikanda.org
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This entry contains information published by Citlalli López Velázquez, journalist at NVI Noticias. February and May, 2025.
