Mujeres Bordando Sueños
Posted on 05/21/2024 @ 07:24 AM
Mujeres Bordando Sueños: Zapotec Women Empowered Through their Artisanal Craft
Nestled in the coastal region of Oaxaca, the community of San Francisco Cozoaltepec in the municipality of Santa María Tonameca thrives amidst economic challenges and rich cultural heritage. This predominantly Zapotec village, situated 268 kilometers from the state capital, is home to 2,645 inhabitants who navigate life between tradition and the pursuit of better economic opportunities.
The Birth of a Cooperative
In 2011, a group of 18 Zapotec women, primarily heads of their households and native speakers of the Zapotec language, united to address their financial struggles. They sought assistance from the Oaxaca Institute of Training and Productivity for Work (ICAPET) to learn new skills that could provide sustainable incomes for their families. Their initial training in fabric embroidery quickly expanded to include traditional clothing embroidery, ribbon embroidery, beadwork, and more. Over the years, they amassed considerable expertise, creating a variety of embroidered garments, yet initially sold their products individually within the community.
Forming Mujeres Bordando Sueños
In 2019, Sister Alicia Guevara Pérez, from the congregation of Missionaries of the Eucharist, inspired these women to formalize their efforts into a cooperative. This led to the establishment of Mujeres Bordando Sueños (Women Embroidering Dreams) on November 13, 2019. The cooperative's leadership was structured with a president, secretary, treasurer, and vocal member, fostering a sense of organization and purpose.
The cooperative began to reach markets beyond their locality, sending their beautifully crafted items to various parts of Mexico, including Nogales, Agua Prieta, Colima, Guadalajara, and neighboring municipalities. Initially, their meetings and training sessions took place in the local livestock association's premises, which they used from 2019 to 2022.
Securing a Permanent Space
In 2024, a community member who has been following the work of Mujeres Bordando Sueños decided to donate land to support their vision and initiatives. They are fundraising so that they can construct a building that will be used as a stable meeting space to continue their activities, training, and production.
This year also brought valuable training opportunities: a workshop on empowerment and teamwork conducted by the Municipal DIF of Santa María Tonameca, and a session on sisterhood (sorority) facilitated by the Luceros Initiative Association from Huatulco. The latter also helped secure a marketplace for the cooperative's products in the Monday market of San Pedro Pochutla.
Expanding Horizons
In August 2023, Mujeres Bordando Sueños joined the Grupo de Estudios sobre la Mujer "Rosario Castellanos" A.C., participating in the "Network of Women Cooperativists for a Culture of Peace." This two-year project aims to strengthen women's cooperatives for self-management, fostering a network of cooperative women who support each other economically and socially.
Sales and Community Presence
The cooperative actively participates in various artisan fairs within their community and the municipal head. They sell their products every Sunday outside the San Francisco de Asís church and during the Monday market in San Pedro Pochutla. Additionally, they have expanded their reach through their Facebook page, Mujeres Bordando Sueños, showcasing their intricate handmade garments.
Vision and Goals
Mujeres Bordando Sueños aims to solidify their presence as a producer group of hand-embroidered textiles and become an officially registered cooperative. Their goals include obtaining a dedicated space for their economic activities, equipped with the necessary tools and furniture for production and training. They aspire to establish a workshop and a showroom for their products, ensuring a stable income that supports their families and strengthens the educational prospects of their children.
Empowerment Through Craft
Currently, the group consists of 16 women aged between 30 and 55, with varying educational backgrounds from primary to high school. Each member works from home, creating unique embroidered pieces. They convene monthly or as needed to evaluate their progress and organize activities. The cooperative remains open to new members who wish to learn, create, and contribute to their families' economic well-being.
Conclusion
Mujeres Bordando Sueños exemplifies the strength and resilience of Zapotec women in San Francisco Cozoaltepec. Through collective effort and continuous learning, they have transformed their traditional craft into a source of empowerment and economic stability. Their journey reflects a profound blend of cultural preservation and innovation, showcasing how indigenous knowledge and modern cooperative strategies can create sustainable development. As they continue to grow and evolve, Mujeres Bordando Sueños stands as a beacon of hope and a model of community-driven success.
