Capacity-building for rural women artisans in Peru

Our cooperative coordinators Martha and Mercedes are preparing for a big trip, and they need your help!

They have been invited to host a panel for the 2016 Textile Society of America Symposium taking place in Savannah, Georgia in October. We are so proud that they have been invited to share Awamaki’s knowledge on the traditions and history of weaving and textiles in the Peruvian highlands.

Martha and Mercedes, both Quechua-speaking women with deep roots in the Sacred Valley, will represent Awamaki's work at the symposium. Martha originally started as a member of our Rumira knitting cooperative before joining the Awamaki team as coordinator for our knitting and spinning cooperatives. Her expertise with a pair of knitting needles is only outshined by her patience and welcoming personality that make everyone feel at home in her office. Martha works side-by-side with Mercedes, head of all of our women’s cooperatives. Mercedes grew up in the area and feels a strong calling to give back to the region. She has managed women's cooperatives for much of her career. She guides our partner cooperatives with a firm hand, but underneath it all she has a heart of gold.

Martha and Mercedes are core members of the Awamaki team, and we look forward to sending them to the United States for this amazing opportunity. While there, they will be able to grow their leadership ability, expand their understanding about the artisan market, and share Awamaki’s work. They will bring these experiences back to Peru with them, and use them to deepen their impact with the 150 artisans with whom we partner. However, before they can do this, we need to raise funds for their journey and participation. This June, we are coming together on behalf of Martha and Mercedes, and we hope you will help us.

Tomorrow, June 15th, we will be taking advantage of GlobalGiving's Bonus Day and their 50% match for Superstar organizations like us. Donate and learn more on our project page Send Martha and Mercedes to the U.S. Every amount helps us support Martha and Mercedes in their journey. 

Martha and Mercedes’ ability to share their expert knowledge and skills concerning Peruvian textiles and weaving with people from around the world is amazing opportunity for both them and Awamaki. We are so proud of their accomplishments, and we hope that you will join us in supporting them in this experience!

This project report was written by Lisa Winthagen, a communications intern at Awamaki.