Rwanda, Women's Crown

“Making women’s coffee work count” underpins Rugori (Women’s Crown), a fully washed lot produced and processed entirely by women at Gasharu Coffee in Rwanda. While women carry out the majority of labour in coffee, they often receive only a small share of the income.

This project addresses that imbalance directly. Rooted in Rwandan culture, Urugori refers to the crown given to women after their first birth, symbolising respect and recognition.

With over 70% of Gasharu’s workforce made up of women, this coffee creates a more transparent system where additional value flows back to those doing the work. Beyond fairness, the impact is tangible: increased income in women’s hands supports household stability, education, and long-term community wellbeing.

The initiative builds on a family legacy begun in 1983, when Celestin and Marie Gorette expanded their coffee business while also supporting schooling for children within their farming community—linking coffee, care, and opportunity.