Honduras
Coordinadora de Mujeres Campesinas de La Paz (COMUCAP)
Coordinadora de Mujeres Campesinas de La Paz (COMUCAP), which means Organizer of the Rural Women of La Paz, is a women's co-op located in southwest Honduras. It was founded in 1993 by women seeking economic independence to support their families.
Before COMUCAP was founded, men were the landowners in the region and made the business and production decisions. One of COMUCAP's founders began a radio program for women called Siempre Vivas. Her audience consisted of many women who didn't own land and were often survivors of domestic violence. These women realized that the root of the problem was economic insecurity and began to look for ways to earn money for themselves and their families. This initiative led women in La Paz to organize and create COMUCAP.
Banding together, the women of COMUCAP purchased approximately one hectare of land and planted coffee. Through their hard work and perseverance the co-op has grown to 37 hectares. COMUCAP now has a wet mill, drying patios, and a compost production plant that supports coffee quality.
Thanks to the success of the association, many of the women have been able to purchase their own land, achieving economic stability and freedom. The co-op now sells coffee, aloe vera products, wine, honey, and manages an ecotourism center, all of which provide diversified income. COMUCAP also runs a shelter for survivors of gender-based violence called Casa de La Mujer which advocated for women's empowerment.
COMUCAP has trained its members in nutrition and food security and has developed family and school orchards. Currently 40% of the members work at one of the orchards, which generate additional income for the farmers, as they sell the produce they don’t consume.
COMUCAP’s coffee is among the best in Honduras, and its creation supports more than 500 women and their families.