Support indigenous women's self-sufficiency in MX

Summary

The Mixteca Weavers began as a group of older, highly skilled weavers who were supported by a capitalization loan from The Circle of Women in 2003.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

The Circle of Women partners with the weavers, selling the weavings throughout the U.S. and investing in the Miramar women's capacity and infrastructure. At the present time The Circle of Women is helping the weavers to expand their markets, primarily in Oaxaca to make the project sustainable. The women have become very adept at selling and demonstrating their weaving to craft visitors and local people and have become highly recognized for their textiles.

How will this project solve this problem?

The weavers have learned the business of production, inventory management and sales to local and international markets. In November 2009 the weavers will stage an exhibition at the Museo Textile de Oaxaca.

Potential Long Term Impact

During the five years of the program the women have repaid their loan, improved quality of their weavings, and learned the business of production, inventory management, and sales.

Project Message

Women grow best in relationships of mutuality and connection. When these are frayed their development is marred—when women are pushed toward independence and away from connection they flounder.
- Judith Lockhart-Radtke, Founder

Additional Documentation

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

Resources