Cafe Femenino Continued...
The women farmer participates in all farm activities. They prepare the terrain, nurseries, and the compost. They fertilize the soil and prepare bio-fertilizers, as well as harvesting, de-pulping, fermenting, and drying the coffee. It is very rare for women to participate in selling the coffee or making decisions on how the money from coffee sales will be used.
Insufficient funds and a full spectrum of social problems have hindered attempts to intervene. But with the payment of organic and the Fair Trade premiums, efforts are underway to promote the organization of the female coffee farmers and their integration into social, political, and occupational organizations.
Our goal is to work within the existing socio-economic structure to foster change. By supporting women coffee growers, we improve the quality of life in the entire community and build a sustainable economic system.
The importer of coffee from the Cafe Femenino project agreed to sell the coffee as Fair Trade, with that price going to the Co-op as in all Fair Trade transactions. An additional two cents per pound would also be paid for the coffee. These additional funds provide extra income that goes directly to the women producers to decide how to use.
The Café Femenino Foundation supports efforts to improve the view of women’s roles by supporting programs and projects that generate sales the women can control. The women are excited by the potential, and have received support from community leaders.
Forums that focus on building self esteem and leadership have been provided. Women are able to share their experiences from work in the field to participation in other organizations.
This story is about hope, but the story must be shared.
The Café Femenino Foundation supports this circle of hope. The women produce the coffee. Their consumers donate to the Foundation. The Foundation completes the circle by providing grants to worthy projects and programs that enhance the lives of all members of the coffee producing community.
We hope you share the story and the coffee, and become a part of an endeavor that can change the lives and future of women and families throughout developing nations. Send your donations to: Cafe Femenino Foundation, Post Office Box 2187, Vancouver, WA 98668.
The Cafe Femenino Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your contributions are tax deductible to the full amount allowed by law. |
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