In recognition and support of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Minas Hill Coffee is launching a great quantity of newly-arrived coffees in Australia. Minas Hill says these new coffees are mainly micro-lots and have been produced by some inspirational, female farmers.
“At Minas Hill, we believe it is important to recognise the contributions of women to the coffee chain,” says Mariana Pugliese of Minas Hill Coffee.
“Their determination to produce and brand their own coffee, and to achieve greater equality in the coffee industry is to be respected and admired. We are proudly associated with the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) in Australia.”
Women play a vital role in coffee quality and cultivation despite the difficulties they have had to overcome in their coffee-production journey.
“Women are central in sculpting the taste of the specialty coffees we love. As we celebrate the achievements of women this International Women’s Day, we remember the women throughout history who have shaped our understanding of the world today,” Mariana says.
“In the past, coffee was considered to be a man’s crop. Women’s work often went unpaid and unrecognised. Older female growers speak of how they had to deal with the problem of their husbands not allowing them to leave the house to meet with other women growers. Without the land ownership and necessary income, they were unable to establish themselves as leaders in the coffee industry.”
Fortunately, these inspirational women farmers have persevered, to pave the way for impact and innovation in their industry.
“As we sit back and enjoy some of their delightful micro-lots, we acknowledge their skill and expertise to produce the coffee they have cultivated for years,” Mariana says.
“They have paved the way for future women farmers in stimulating both the coffee industry and their own communities. We will continue to show our support for women farmers as they strive towards further economic and social change, to have an impact, and seek minimum wages and ethical coffee prices.”
Created by women, supported by women, and focused on women, the Women in Coffee project values the dedication and hard work of their members in showcasing their talent and passion in the production of outstanding micro-lots. Financial support from the project is utilised to empower the women and assist them to become decision-makers in the coffee chain, through education, seminars, forums, expos, and English classes.
“This is just one of the amazing projects recognising the work that women do in coffee-producing countries. Supporting organisations aimed at helping female producers and farm workers, results in improved quality and volume and improved livelihoods,” Mariana says.
For more information, visit www.minashill.com.au
