Teaching Mexico's indigenous women artisans to improve the production and distribution of their crafts will ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
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.
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.
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.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
