Capacity-building for rural women artisans in Peru

“Okay, it´s time for affirmations! Find a partner!” Ginette Collin announces. The room becomes a flurry of movement as the artisans pair up and giggle. At first, some of the women are quiet, but within the next few minutes, the meeting is full of arms waving in the air and voices calling out phrases like, ¨I have energy!” or “I am incredible!” in Spanish and Quechua.

This month, Awamaki collaborated with Ginette Collin from PurpleLily, a non-profit organisation committed to “inspire and empower women and girls to thrive and shine” by providing life skills training and financial education. The PurpleLily program consists of eight interactive workshops, including building confidence, financial literacy, motivation and goal setting, and five healthy habits.

Ginette worked with Mercedes Durand and Martha Zuniga from Awamaki to adapt the workshops to the needs and culture of the rural Andean artisans. This month, the team is implementing the program in the Patacancha and Huilloc cooperatives, and Martha and Mercedes will continue the workshops in the other cooperatives this year.

“The goal of the PurpleLily program is to add value to what Awamaki is already doing. We´re supporting the technical skills that the artisans have with practical techniques to be more confident, connect with tourists, and sell their products,” says Ginette. The program supports Awamaki´s mission for the artisans to become financially independent.

“Now, we`re going to finish with power poses! Make some room!” Ginette calls over the artisan´s chatter. The women laugh as they find a spot, and then they become silent. They make a stance, put their hands on their hips, and raise their head high. The room is full of Andean superwomen. They are not only Awamaki´s heroes, but they are their own.

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