“A story about a Rare and exquisite coffee, from an elegant and brave People” – Arthur Karuletwa
Abakundakawa (“Those Who Love Coffee”) Coffee Cooperative, first established in 2004, is located in the northern mountainous region of the district of Akanke. It is perched at an altitude of 1700-1900 meters and is flanked by five distinct growing zones. Though the coffee cooperative was first established and formed in 2004, it is well known for courageously recognizing the first Women’s Only Farmer Association of its kind in Rwanda soon after its inception. Abakundakawa coffee cooperative is now well represented by two women's coffee associations, Hingakawa (“Let’s Grow Coffee”) and Dakundakawa (“We love Coffee”). The women of Hingakawa are both a witness and victims to some of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history - the 1994 Rwanda Genocide.
Download Hingakawa Women’s Co-op Bourbon FTO Info Sheet
Since this association includes both ethnic groups that clashed during that devastating period (Hutu and Tutsi), the women made a decision to make poverty their mutual enemy rather than each other - and with this sentiment, they have been able to move forward and heal a community, and a nation, through their leadership, courage, and bravery.
Women Coffee farmers were one of the first pillars of society who wholly embraced the trickle-down movement of equality and the banishment of the archaic patriarchal leadership that women had faced for centuries. They took a cultural risk that is often not given its due credit for exemplary courage where equality is otherwise still seen as taboo. A courage that is partially and significantly responsible for stitching the hearts and minds of a once torn society; a courage an entire global coffee industry could lay the foundations of change upon.
The role of women in coffee can no longer be undermined, unnoticed, or un-incentivized. We are proud to introduce you to the brave women of Hingakawa Women’s Coffee.
