In Uganda’s Sironko district, Meridah Nandudu is revolutionizing the coffee industry by empowering women through her enterprise, Bayaaya Specialty Coffee. Traditionally, Ugandan women performed most of the labor-intensive work in coffee farming but were excluded from the profits, which were often controlled by men.
To address this imbalance, Nandudu established Bayaaya Specialty Coffee in 2022, a women-focused coffee business designed to empower female coffee growers. The company pays higher prices for coffee delivered by women and offers seasonal bonuses, encouraging families to let women manage sales. This approach has significantly improved financial inclusion and domestic harmony, enabling women to contribute to household decisions and expenses.
Since its inception, the number of female participants in Bayaaya has grown from dozens to over 600, comprising about 75% of its registered farmers. The initiative has not only increased women’s income but also challenged cultural norms, fostering greater gender equality in the community.
Nandudu’s long-term vision includes expanding into coffee exports and fostering a growing “sisterhood” of women in the coffee industry. Her efforts are part of a broader movement in Uganda, where younger women are increasingly entering the coffee sector, including roles in quality assurance and roasting.
Despite facing challenges such as limited access to resources and entrenched gender roles, Nandudu’s determination and innovative approach have made significant strides in transforming the coffee industry.Her story exemplifies how targeted initiatives can empower women, promote economic development, and drive social change in traditionally male-dominated industries.
