Weaving new futures
Guatemalan women blend heritage and fashion to drive economic and social change
Women in the mountainous villages of Guatemala are improving their economic statuses while keeping ancient weaving techniques alive through an FAO Mountain Partnership-supported initiative.
©FAO/Charlie Quezada- Cohete Studio
In Magdalena Milpas Altas, in central Guatemala, Marla Chanta, a 45-year-old artisan, is crafting more than artisanry – she is creating new opportunities for her family and community.
As a young woman, Marla would have liked to become a secretary, but instead, traditional societal roles led her to focus on tending to the household and children.
In these mountain communities, men typically work in agriculture or migrate abroad to earn enough to support their families while the women remain in their villages, producing rich craftmanship rooted in their cultural heritage. They excel in traditional weaving and sewing techniques and pass on Guatemalan traditional knowledge to the younger generation.
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