Invest in talent, dignity, and sustainability in Zinacantán, Chiapas, Mexico.
A flourishing enterprise that generates sustainable livelihoods in an area of extreme poverty deserves support!
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A flourishing enterprise that generates sustainable livelihoods in an area of extreme poverty deserves support!
MSV needs $3,900 to invest in stipends to grow their business.
The name Mujeres Sembrando la Vida ~ Women Sowing Life ~ describes the artisans' collective vision of being leaders in the creation of economic, educational, health, and environmental opportunities in Zinacantán and the surrounding villages.
The MSV artisans need $5,000 to invest in staff and office infrastructure that will permit the expansion of commercial orders. There are currently seventy women in seven villages designated as extreme poverty by the U.N. MSV leadership is prepared to train and supervise up to two hundred women.
MSV is certified by the Fair Trade Federation. That means they pay dignified wages to artisans who create modern products with traditional techniques of backstrap weaving and embroidery. The women primarily work from home, so they can support their families financially while continuing the tradition of passing along the knowledge of their ancestors to their children. Because of the increased family income, the children of these artisans are able to stay in school longer than they would have without the second family income.
MSV infrastructure investments to grow their business:
- Part-time Coordinator: $2,400 USD
- Part-time Assistant: $1,500 USD
- Materials for workshops: $1,400 USD
- Transportation to meetings: $800 USD
- Website, telephone, internet: $800 USD