Diversity is the essence of our global operations

Gender equity is not just a moral obligation – it’s essential to creating stronger, more innovative teams and businesses. In a world where many companies and countries are experiencing setbacks in gender equality, it is more important than ever for us to stand by our values and promote diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion. At NKG, we have identified three key areas of focus for the upcoming years to foster our commitment to advancing gender equity: closing the gender pay gap, fostering equity in recruitment, and empowering women in trade and commercial roles (more information is accessible in this HUB post). By analyzing salary structures, removing barriers in hiring processes, and supporting women in leadership positions, we aim to create a more inclusive workplace and industry. These efforts are not just about fairness – they reflect our belief that diversity and equity drive innovation and success, strengthening us as a group and the global coffee sector alike.

Having a closer look at the coffee industry, there is still a clear need for improvement. While women perform an estimated 70% of production labor, they only manage 20-30% of farms – an imbalance that highlights deeply ingrained structural barriers. These barriers include limited access to land ownership, credit, and decision-making roles, despite their critical role in the supply chain. There are several reasons as well why it is important to empower women in coffee: It strengthens sustainability and economic resilience, as communities benefit when women have greater impact. Effective interventions go beyond yield programs to address time poverty and enable women to participate fully in decisions that affect their farms and communities. Gender equity in coffee not only fosters equality – it builds stronger, more adaptable supply chains essential for the future of the industry.

Further reads for research on gender equity in coffee:

That’s why we were very happy to celebrate this year’s International Women’s Day with a campaign involving all of us in an event of learning, reflection and growth. On March 6th, under the theme “Accelerate Action: Why Gender Equity in Coffee Matters” (more information is accessible in this HUB post), we hosted live speaker sessions in collaboration with Leqture. These sessions focused on gender equity, diversity, and inclusion, offering colleagues worldwide the chance to engage with inspiring ideas, gain new perspectives, and reflect on their role in driving change. With subtitles available in 16 languages and recordings accessible for three months, we ensured everyone had the opportunity to participate. Together, we explored powerful topics – from emotional intelligence to ADHD in women and girls, to women artists, emotion as superpower and how men can be (better) involved as allies. The response made us very thankful, happy and proud at the same time.

730 unique visitors engaged with nearly 1,000 sessions!

A huge thank you again to everyone who took the time and was open to experiencing something new or to refreshing some ideas. The outcome was especially uplifting as your feedback showed us exactly what we hoped for: that you are open to embrace new ideas and challenge yourself to grow!

We have received incredible feedback about the sessions, and we would like to share some of your comments here:

"I learned to listen better and pay attention to other people’s emotions.”

"I am more self-aware now and able to identify how I am feeling or reacting – in the workplace, at home, and in life.”

“I learned that when you are determined and committed to do something, no matter the surroundings, you can do it – it doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman!”

“I learned that emotions are good and can be a superpower!”

These sessions were more than just keynotes – they were opportunities to understand. Your willingness to engage with these topics is a testament to the openness and strength of our NKG community. And this openness connects with one very important idea: While structural changes and large initiatives are vital, true progress begins with each of us. Every decision we make, from hiring practices to how we talk to and support our colleagues, contributes to the bigger picture. By reflecting on our own actions, biases, and areas of influence, we can create an environment where everyone has the chance to succeed. Small, intentional steps – like mentoring, listening actively, and advocating for inclusion in daily interactions – can create ripples that lead to lasting change.

What can you do now?

Some of you can use LinkedIn Learning through your Workday Account and choose from many different courses about many different topics. To dive deeper into discussions about gender equity, we have some inspiration for you.

LinkedIn Learning Courses:

Fighting Gender Bias in the Workplace – Lori Nishiura Mackenzie 🔗
Duration: 54 minutes

Using Gender Inclusive Language — Lori Nishiura Mackenzie 🔗
Duration: 55 minutes

Equity First: The Path to Inclusion and Belonging — Mary‑Frances Winters 🔗
Duration: ~1 hour 30 minutes (spread across modules)

TED Talks (YouTube):

Sheryl Sandberg:
Why We Have Too Few Women Leaders🔗

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:
We Should All Be Feminists🔗

Reshma Saujani:
Teach Girls Bravery, Not Perfection🔗

Book Recommendations:

Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men
by Caroline Criado Perez.
Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
by Sheryl Sandberg.
The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That Are Holding Women Back at Work
by Michelle King.
Unlearn Patriarchy
edited by Lisa Jaspers, Naomi Ryland, Silvie Horch.

There are many further sources where you can get more information, push your limits and discover the incredible potential you have to make a real difference. We have come up with some great ideas, but we are always open to hearing your own! Feel free to leave your recommendations in the comments below.

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Coffee Plaza • Am Sandtorpark 4
20457 Hamburg • Germany

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Neumann Gruppe GmbH
Coffee Plaza
Am Sandtorpark 4
20457 Hamburg • Germany