Sara Yirga’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and empowerment.
Growing up in Ethiopia, Sara witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by coffee farmers, especially women. Determined to make a difference, she embarked on a mission to transform the coffee industry and uplift the lives of female workers.
Sara founded her own coffee company, which focuses on producing high-quality coffee and prioritizes fair wages and better working conditions for women. Her holistic approach addresses coffee production’s economic, social, and environmental aspects. By providing training and resources, Sara empowers women to take on leadership roles within the industry.
By embracing digital payments, Sara has streamlined her business operations: “For my workers, salaries directly go to their bank accounts, preventing unnecessary spending. The shift to digital not only eases their lives but also reinforces mindful spending.”
Sara Yirga, who is now President of the Ethiopia Chapter of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA), emphasizes the transformative power of digital payments: “Digital payments may take time to understand, but for women in agribusiness, having access to their money gives them control over their finances. Research shows that women receive only 34% of the resources after a year of hard work. With their portion of money, women can decide how to spend or save, giving them a voice and control over their financial choices,” she added.
Her efforts have led to significant improvements in the lives of many female workers. Women who once struggled to make ends meet now have stable incomes and opportunities for growth. Sara’s company has become a beacon of hope, demonstrating that sustainable business practices can drive positive change.
Sara Yirga’s experience exemplifies the positive outcomes of embracing digital payments, emphasizing its pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for women in the coffee sector.