History of MayaWorks

The weavings in that suitcase sold quickly and soon many suitcases were being carried back to the U.S. Larger shipments were arriving to be processed through customs and then distributed to volunteers for selling. As U.S. sales increased, additional weavers were employed and the range of artisan products broadened.

In 1992 Patricia Krause carried a suitcase of weavings back to the U.S. with the hope of opening a market for the work of poor Maya women.

MISSIONMISSION

MayaWorks

empowers indigenous women of Guatemala to end their cycle of poverty, achieve economic security, and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.

• 125 indigenous women of the Central Highlands of Guatemala

• 70% Cakchiquel; 30% are Tzutujil

• Average age is 38

• 40% are illiterate and most have not completed their primary education

• Tend to marry young and have 6 children on average

• 70% live in remote hamlets of Chimaltenango and Solola

Population Served

UN Millennium Development

GoalsMDG # 1:

Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty

MDG # 2:

Achieve Universal Primary Education

Designed to end the cycle of women’s poverty and improve local communities. It consists of three components:

• Economic Development Social Venture – creates ongoing work for Guatemalan artisans and provides U.S. women an opportunity to directly support women’s global economic development.

• Microcredit – develops women artisans as entrepreneurs to create projects that generate additional sources of income.

• Education – gives indigenous women opportunities to continue to study and receive training so that they create a more secure future for themselves and their families.

Maya Women’s Cross Generational Economic Development Program