Celebrating International Women’s Week: From Origin to Cup


This year for International Women’s Week, we’ve been reflecting on the incredible women who define every stage of the Java Republic journey. From the resilient farmers at origin to the experts leading our team across Ireland, our celebrations focused on the talent, dedication, and innovation that women bring to the world of speciality coffee. 

Here is a look back at how we marked the occasion.

Empowerment at the Source: Donas do Café

We began the week by shining a light on Donas do Café, a transformative project in Brazil by SMC and Cooxupé. This initiative is designed to empower female coffee producers, providing the specialised training and resources they need to take the lead in their fields and communities. At Java Republic, we believe that supporting women at origin is the foundation of a brighter future for the industry. 

When you enjoy our Mestizo blend or our Swiss Water Decaf, you are directly supporting the Donas do Café project.

A Legacy of Resilience: Rwanda Kinini

Our celebrations also took us to the hills of the Rulindo District of Rwanda to honour the women behind Rwanda Kinini Single Origin. Led by Jacqueline Turner, this project is a beacon of hope. The majority of these farmers are widows of the Rwandan genocide, and together, they produce world-class coffee that funds vital schools and healthcare projects in the village of Kinini. 

It is coffee with a true legacy of positive impact, and we were proud to offer our community a chance to support this incredible work throughout the week.

In the Coffee Lab: Sensory Calibration & Education

The celebrations continued at home with a truly immersive experience led by our brilliant Quality and Sustainability Manager, Jolanta Turowska. 

 Stepping away from the spreadsheets and into the lab, Jolanta hosted an in-person sensory calibration and cupping session for the team. It was a fantastic opportunity to sharpen our palates and dive deep into the meticulous standards that define our craft. We explored the complex profiles of both the Rwanda Kinini and our Swiss Water Decaf, celebrating the women driving innovation within our own walls.

Community & Connection

 To round off the week, we took our passion for coffee on the road. We visited the LinkedIn offices in Dublin to host a special International Women’s Day cupping session. 

Sharing the stories of the women behind our Rwanda Kinini and Swiss Water Decaf with the LinkedIn team was a highlight of the week. It was a wonderful way to connect over a shared appreciation for quality coffee and the empowered women who make it possible. 

Thank you to everyone who joins us in raising a cup to the women of coffee not just this week but all year round!