Strong Hands: Women Fighting Poverty with Clay

Through this project, Cynnal supported the development of a community ceramics group in Piruaj Bajo, strengthening women’s skills, income generation, and long-term sustainability.

The group participated in three formal training sessions, focused on:

• The production of traditional ceramic water jars (tinajas), and

• Animal modeling, a culturally meaningful and marketable craft.

As a result of this training process, the group is now successfully producing and selling ceramic pieces, generating income from their work.

The ceramics group is made up of 10 women. To further strengthen local capacity, two participants traveled to the city to attend an advanced ceramics course, bringing new techniques and knowledge back to the group.

Since October, all project funds have been allocated to the construction of a dedicated workspace. At present, the women work outdoors under a tree, where their pieces are exposed to damage from animals and weather conditions. The new workspace will provide a safe, stable, and dignified environment for production and storage.

Construction of the workspace is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2026. Once finished, it will significantly improve working conditions, reduce losses, and support the long-term continuity of the ceramics initiative.

This project is strengthening women’s economic autonomy while preserving traditional knowledge and creating sustainable livelihoods in Piruaj Bajo.

Project Report – Ceramists of Piruaj Bajo

Over the past six months, the ceramic project of the Indigenous community of Piruaj Bajo has made remarkable progress. Thanks to the support received through GlobalGiving and the constant accompaniment of our organization, the women ceramists have not only strengthened their technical and organizational skills but have also expanded their markets, diversified their production, and begun to envision a more stable future with greater opportunities for their families.

Achievements and progress during this period

One of the most important milestones of this semester was the successful commercialization of ceramic pieces in major Argentine cities such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Rosario. This achievement not only increased household income but also brought recognition to the artisanal work of the community and highlighted a cultural tradition deeply rooted in the ancestral practices of Indigenous peoples in northern Santiago del Estero.

In addition to reaching urban markets, the ceramists also opened a new channel of local sales: the production of clay vessels designed for water storage, a highly valuable resource in the region. These vessels not only generate income but also provide a practical solution to neighboring communities that face daily challenges in accessing safe water.

Another fundamental achievement was the access to technical training. During this period, the ceramists participated in workshops where they learned new techniques, models, and designs, broadening the variety of products they can offer. This training enabled them to innovate while maintaining the essence of their cultural identity, balancing tradition with creativity.

A new workshop to keep growing

Until now, the ceramists carried out their work under very precarious conditions: beneath the shade of trees, using a shared table, drying the pieces in the sun, and firing them in a communal kiln. While these conditions reflected their resilience and commitment, they also imposed clear limitations on production capacity, product quality, and safe storage.

Thanks to donor support, we are delighted to announce that construction of the new ceramics workshop in Piruaj Bajo will begin next month. 

• Annual_Report_2025.pdf (PDF)