Ituze, Rwanda

The backstory behind Ituze is a powerful story. In 2008, 18 women who were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS came together to form the Ituze Women Cooperative. They were facing many challenges, but they were determined to create a better future for themselves and their families. Ituze Women’s Cooperative is a shining example of what can be accomplished when women come together to support each other.

In Kinyarwanda, ‘ituze’ means ‘calmness’ which is the effect the women wanted their coop to have. Their first goal was to provide support and friendship to its members. They meet regularly to share their experiences, offer each other advice and lend a listening ear. This sense of community was essential to their success. They have faced many challenges, but they were determined to create a better future for themselves and their families. We have helped raise $2,000 that goes directly to help renovate their farm to make it more climate resistant and provide more trees.

The women of Ituze selectively handpick ripe, red cherry and deliver it to Ngamba washing station. At intake, specially trained staff float cherry to remove underripes and then visually inspect cherry and remove any defects. Cherry is pulped and fermented for 10 to 12 hours in fermentation tanks. Following fermentation, parchment is washed in clean water and laid on raised beds to dry. Workers rake parchment frequently to ensure even drying and visually inspect parchment to remove any damaged beans. It takes approximately 21 to 30 days for parchment to dry.