As the world celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2026, under the theme "Give to Gain,” Sustainable Growers continues the spirit of the day throughout Women’s Month, highlighting how investing in women—through time, knowledge, opportunity, and trust—drives meaningful progress. This month, we celebrate that impact through a powerful lens: Her Voice, Her Future, showcasing how women’s leadership strengthens communities and transforms lives.

Across Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania, a transformation has been steadily unfolding. Today, we proudly celebrate over 76,000 women coffee producers who have graduated from the Sustainable Growers program—women whose growth has extended beyond themselves to positively impact more than 383,000 family members.

This is the essence of Give to Gain.

When women are given access to skills, leadership opportunities, and markets, the return is exponential. Families become more resilient. Communities become more inclusive. Economies grow stronger.

For generations, women have been the backbone of coffee production, yet too often their contributions remained invisible. Today, that is changing. Women are stepping forward—not only as producers, but as decision-makers, leaders, and visionaries shaping the future of the coffee sector.

"Let this theme move us into action. May everyone leave here committed to making her voice count, at home, where actions speak; in her community; and across society. Let us be a voice that creates a positive, lasting impact on our neighbors, in our communities, and beyond. When each of us acts, together we create real change.”

— Christine Condo, Chief Executive Officer, SGR

This month, that spirit came to life as women cooperatives leaders convened to share leadership knowledge, experiences, and inspiration. Beyond technical skills, the gathering created space for wellness, reflection, connection, and growth.

During a high-impact wellness session, women leaders explored resilience in action—mind, body, and heart. The conversation served as a powerful reminder that leadership is not only about overcoming challenges, but about thriving through them. It is about knowing when to push forward and when to pause, reflect, and recharge.

Together, they reflected on an essential truth: a strong leader first cares for her own well-being, then uses that strength to uplift others.

Our women partners also explored what it means to lead with purpose—understanding their teams, valuing every idea, and making thoughtful decisions that move the entire cooperative forward. Because when leaders grow stronger from within, their communities advance too.

"On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of the East African coffee sector and strengthening their communities every day.”

— Christine Condo

Leaders emerging from within these communities embody the long-term vision of this transformation. Mukamusoni Ruth, President of Mayogi Cooperative reflects on the responsibility that comes with leadership:

"As a leader, be visionary and ensure that the impact you create during your mandate continues to have a sustainable, lasting effect even ten years and beyond.”

And as Dorothee Nyiranziza, Vice President of Abakundakawanziza Cooperative highlights, an enabling national environment has been critical in amplifying women’s voices:

"Today, our voices are heard and valued, and we are deeply grateful to our President, His Excellency Paul Kagame, who has made it possible for women to stand and speak with confidence.”

These voices are not only being heard—they are driving change.

At Sustainable Growers, we are honored to work alongside women farmers and entrepreneurs whose leadership and determination continue to fuel lasting economic progress. Their journeys remind us that when we invest in women, we are investing in stronger families, thriving communities, and a more sustainable future.

As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with purpose. The call of Give to Gain challenges all of us—institutions, leaders, and individuals—to continue creating spaces where women’s voices are amplified and their potential fully realized.

Because when we give women the opportunity to lead, to learn, and to be heard—we all gain. And when her voice is heard, her future is unstoppable.