June 22, 2023

La Morena - Empowering Women Farmers

In Guatemala coffee has long been male-dominated, and gender equality remains a challenge. It is unfortunately still difficult for women in Guatemala to compete and thrive in the coffee world. La Morena is a coffee that showcases women farmers across Guatemala.

Women operate 20% to 30% of coffee farms, and up to 70% of coffee production workers are females, depending on the region.

In spite of this, women are systematically disadvantaged when it comes to resources, including land, credit, and information. This often results in a measurable gender gap in economic outcomes, including yields, productivity and farm income.

Closing the gender gap La Morena

La Morena is a coffee from Huehuetenango, one of the better-known regions of Guatemala. One of Guatemala‘s three non-volcanic regions, Huehuetenango is also the highest and driest one, making it one of the best to grow coffee. The region depends heavily on the coffee industry and export.

Produced exclusively by female farmers, La Morena is also a Vol-Cafe Way coffee. Since they joined the program, the farmers have increased the quality of their coffee, increased their yields, and, as a result, earned more. By teaching them best practices, their farms are producing excellent coffee and becoming viable businesses.

Above is an Illustration created by Daisy Cleary & one that will feature on our packaging when we re-release La Morena.

"The idea for this illustration came to me late one night when I was reflecting on the La Morena women's project. As I sketched in my book and listened to music, I was moved by the hope this project brings to women in

Guatemala's coffee industry.

With this illustration, I wanted to celebrate the strength and resilience of these women. The central figure is a woman who is both feminine and powerful, cradling her heart in her hands. The heart is shaped like a coffee bean, symbolizing its importance to her and the sustenance it provides. The line continues upwards towards her mind, representing her intellectual freedom and the space she has to use her intelligence. The line then forms a crown over her head, signifying the empowerment and strength she gains from participating in the La Morena project.

Overall, this illustration represents the hope and potential that the La Morena project offers to women in the coffee industry, and serves as a tribute to their hard work and perseverance."