Pathways to autonomy: tzotzil women's empowerment

During this period of training and accompaniment, the indigenous women artisans have strengthened their skills and entrepreneurial capacities.

The craftswomen are breaking with gender stereotypes by promoting the social organization of women and recognizing their leadership in their territories; through our training programs they have access to knowledge as a human right, they organize themselves and create sorority networks at the regional level. In addition, through the production and marketing of handicraft products under fair trade principles, they are generating income, which has allowed them to participate in decision-making and recognition for their work and the economic development of their families.

The productive technique has been strengthened by participating in workshops focused on the development of new products based on fashion trends, total quality, price and production cost analysis, market and competition analysis, resulting in the exhibition and marketing of their products at national and international level.

As for the development of soft skills, the artisans have participated in workshops on self-esteem, strengthening their leadership, and participation in public spaces that allow them to strengthen their human development.

After three years of this project, the women artisans have increased their levels of empowerment and have observed the importance of training and long-term accompaniment to generate changes that break with the community structures that place women in vulnerable conditions.