Empower indigenous women via sustainable chocolate

In Jericoá 2, Pará (Brazil), limited economic opportunities for Indigenous women hindered social and financial autonomy. The adopting company supported an initiative, Sidjä Wahiü, founded by Indigenous leader Katyana Xipaya, to combine traditional knowledge with sustainable entrepreneurship. The project aligns with efforts to promote regional development, preserve Amazonian culture, and strengthen the role of Indigenous women in local economies.

Location of the initiative: Jericoá 2, Pará, Brazil

Sidjä Wahiü integrates traditional Indigenous knowledge with sustainable chocolate and dried fruit production. Supported by the Belo Monte Empreende program, the initiative received training, mentoring, and logistical support for young Indigenous entrepreneurs.  Key steps include:

1. Starting with small-scale dried fruit production and later expanding into chocolate manufacturing.

2. Partnering with the Cacau Way factory in Medicilândia, Pará—the first chocolate factory in the region—using a “tree-to-bar” model to ensure quality and local value retention.

3. Collaborating with the cocoa producers’ cooperative of the Transamazônica region to source raw materials sustainably.

4. Promoting Indigenous women’s leadership, income generation, and community empowerment through entrepreneurship.

Sustainability Impact

Climate

Encourages sustainable agricultural practices and local value chains, reducing deforestation and emissions from long-distance transport.

Nature

Supports the conservation of Amazonian biodiversity by valuing forest-based resources and promoting sustainable cocoa cultivation.

Social

Strengthens women’s economic independence, Indigenous representation, and cultural pride. Provides training and employment for Indigenous women, enhancing livelihoods and preserving cultural identity.

Business Impact

Benefits

• Strengthens local economic development and inclusion.

• Builds a sustainable and traceable supply chain for chocolate and fruit production.

• Increases community engagement and stakeholder trust in regional operations.

Cost

Investment focused on training, mentoring, and partnership building through the Belo Monte Empreende program. Long-term benefits include local job creation and value-added production, reducing dependence on external markets.

Typical Business Profile

Ideal for companies in agriculture, food production, or regional development sectors seeking to integrate social impact and sustainability into operations.

Approach

1. Identify local social and environmental needs.

2. Partner with community leaders and cooperatives to co-develop solutions.

3. Provide capacity-building through training and mentoring programs.

4. Establish partnerships for production and distribution (e.g., “tree-to-bar” cocoa model).

5. Promote market access through regional branding and storytelling.

Stakeholders Involved

• Project Leads: Sidjä Wahiü and Belo Monte Empreende

• Company Functions: Sustainability and Community Engagement

• Main Providers: Cacau Way Factory, Cocoa Producers’ Cooperative of Transamazônica

• Other: Indigenous women entrepreneurs, local mentors, and artisans

Key Parameters to Consider

• Initiative maturity: Established, growing model of sustainable Indigenous entrepreneurship.

• Implementation timeline: Multi-year process from 2019 onward.

• Technical constraints: Limited initial infrastructure and market access.

• Subsidies/support: Supported by Belo Monte Empreende program.

• Geographical relevance: Amazon region, Brazil.

Implementation and Operations Tips

• Main challenge: Limited business infrastructure and training opportunities for Indigenous women.

• Solution: Partner with development programs and cooperatives for capacity-building and technical support.

• Tip: Empower local leadership to ensure ownership and cultural authenticity. Use existing local resources (e.g., cocoa) to maximize environmental and social impact.