Brewing change: Coffee Santhe returns to Bengaluru with a focus on empowering women

Bengaluru’s coffee festival returns, championing women in the coffee industry while celebrating India’s diverse coffee

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Bengaluru-based Women’s Coffee Alliance India (WCAI), the India chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), is all set to host a three-day 7th edition of ‘Coffee Santhe’ at Freedom Park from March 21. With over 4,000 attendees in previous years, the Santhe serves as WCAI’s primary fundraising event, aimed at empowering women coffee plantation workers. The proceeds support women and child healthcare, girl child education, nutrition programmes, skill development, and elder care in both traditional and emerging coffee-growing regions across India. Speaking to News Trail, Poornima Jairaj, secretary of WCAI, expressed excitement about this year’s edition.

"The Coffee Santhe is something we look forward to every year, and it always comes with a ‘coffee twist.’ This time, we are excited to spotlight Robusta as an aromatic and flavourful bean. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring together coffee growers, baristas, and enthusiasts to celebrate India’s diverse coffee culture." She highlighted how WCAI’s initiatives continue to uplift coffee plantation workers and their families.

The organisation has introduced several programmes to support women and their well-being. ‘Su Prana’ provides health camps, while ‘Nayan Tara’ focuses on educating young girls. ‘Aa Haar’ ensures proper nutrition, and ‘Kou Shalya’ equips young women with skills for a better future. Additionally, ‘Sam Raksha’ supports elder care, and ‘Nir Vah’ helps families navigate health and environmental challenges. Sunalini Menon, founder and immediate past president of WCAI, highlighted the potential of non-traditional coffee regions. “Through Coffee Santhe, we support women plantation workers and their daughters,” she said. The proceeds fund education, healthcare, and skill development. WCAI collaborates across the coffee ecosystem to uplift women in coffee.

Beyond being a celebration of coffee, the Santhe plays a crucial role in raising awareness about supporting women in the coffee industry. WCAI continues to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, ensuring sustainability, and fair trade, and supporting women's growth for India’s coffee-growing communities. Adding to the coffee craftsmanship, Dr Pavan, founder of JC Mysore India Coffee, shared his passion for redefining the coffee experience. "We started JC Mysore India Coffee to create a more equitable and fulfilling coffee experience, connecting the world's coffee farmers directly with coffee lovers," he said.