Women’s Crown

Nyamsheke, Rwanda

Tasting Notes

Dark Fruit, Candied Nuts, Chocolate

Coffee Info

PRODUCER: Gasharu Coffee (produced and processed by women)

VARIETY: Bourbon

PROCESS: Washed

REGION: Lake Kivu, Nyamasheke, Rwanda

LANDED: January 2023

ALTITUDE: 1700 - 2100 masl

IMPORTER: Umuko Coffee

Producer Info (from Gasharu Coffee)

“Making women’s coffee work count” – This is what inspired Rugori (Women’s Crown) Gasharu Coffee, a coffee lot that is solely produced and processed by women. The majority of work in coffee farming and processing is done by women but only a small percentage of the proceedings from coffee goes to women despite having taken on the majority of responsibilities in their households. This coffee is meant to learn from the Rwandan culture and portray the real image of the acknowledgement that should be given to women’s work in coffee value chain.

Urugori “women’s crown” is a crown that women in Rwanda are given after giving their first birth as symbol for motherhood. It is a symbol of respect and recognition of their contribution to the society. Considering that more than 70% of Gasharu coffee employees are women, this coffee is meant to continue acknowledging women’s contribution to the coffee community and creating a transparent framework through which they can benefit from additional proceedings resulting from their work. This is not only fair to them it is also a great contribution to their households and the environment as a whole. It has already been evidenced that by adding more money in the hands of women, communities can eradicate malnutrition, illiteracy and catalyze girls’ education. All of these are critical for women empowerment and are the biggest mitigators of climate change.