Indigenous women's business training in Mexico

Summary

Teaching Mexico's indigenous women artisans to improve the production and distribution of their crafts will ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

In the marginalized states of Chihuahua, Chiapas, and Oaxaca, agricultural areas are washed out by deforestation, and men go to the U.S. for work, leaving women as the heads of their households. It is essential that women generate an income so their families can survive. 400 women have formed 4 cooperatives and have received funds to make earth-friendly crafts, such as weaving organic cotton clothing and bedding. Additional training is needed to support their sustainability.

How will this project solve this problem?

A 2-year business administration training program will ensure economic autonomy by teaching how to improve product design, lower production time, find additional retail outlets, market products, create a business development strategy & keep books.

Potential Long Term Impact

Donations of $500 pays for 10 women to attend a product design training session, or purchases a stand to display products; $3000 pays the entrance fee to a national fair which would give them widespread exposure.

Project Message

Giving people money to produce crafts is not enough. They must be taught basic business knowledge so they can efficiently run their businesses, earn a real income, and not rely on future loans.
- Maria del Carmen Morales, Grantmaking Coordinator

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources