New skills for indigenous women weavers, Guatemala

Summary

Train 30 Guatemalan women in foot-loom weaving which is more efficient than back strap weaving. Training will offer valuable new skills and lead to increased income for the women and their families.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Traditionally, only men are trained to use a foot loom for weaving. Foot loom weaving is faster than backstrap weaving, which women usually use to make crafts and clothing. When international representatives come to Guatemala to find products to export, it is the men who attract the jobs as their products can be produced quickly and in a higher volume. Women know they could weave on foot looms and access this market if taught this skill. They can then earn more, which benefits their families.

How will this project solve this problem?

Set up an intensive Foot Loom Training Program with equipment and personnel to teach this skill. Select women participants for the training. Monitor and evaluate training program every three months to track progress of women trainees.

Potential Long Term Impact

Increased income for at least 30 women, who will use it to improve families’ livelihoods. Mothers will send their children to school. Women will continue their indigenous heritage by practicing the art of weaving as a viable source of income.

Project Message

With training from AFEDES I have learned how to manage my own income-generating project, in particular the foot-loom weaving training. I also learned how to market my weavings to get the most profit.
- Lucila Padre Tajtaj, Weaver at Santiago Zamora

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).

Resources