In these areas of lower cultural living standards, women are not only isolated, but mistreated physically and emotionally. With little resources, the coffee family prefers to invest available resources in educating the sons. The daughter stays home, devoting herself to chores around the house and watching over the farm. They usually marry between 12 and 16 years old.

Until now, women have only been allowed to participate in the domestic work of the home. If allowed to join work groups, it has been only in a passive role.

Insufficient funds and a full spectrum of social problems have hindered attempts to intervene. But with the organic premiums paid by OPTCO and the Fair Trade premiums, we are now able to promote the organization of the female coffee farmers and their integration into social, political, and occupational organizations.

The hope is that by changing the roles of women we improve the quality of life in these communities and build a sustainable economic system.