Red De Mujeres Chuamango Group

The sale of Mayan clothing is a crucial source of income for many women, as it allows them to have a sustainable business and promote their culture.

This has been true for Dorca, who eight years ago set up this business in a space in her home. She is twenty-five years old, her husband is a bricklayer, and together they are raising a four-year-old child who attends kindergarten. The couple is happy because Dorca is expecting her second child.

With the profits generated by the business, five years ago she was able to start a second business, selling delicious slushies. Dorca's greatest dream is to have a formal space where she can display her products attractively and make it easier for her customers to purchase them.

With this goal in mind, she applies for the first Kiva loan and will use the loan to buy threads, fabrics for “huipiles,” as well as complete outfits consisting of “huipiles” blouses, “cortes” skirts, “fajas” belts, “delantales” aprons, and rebozos or shawls.

Dorca is the secretary of the Community Bank, and there are eight other K'iche' Maya women who make up the Friendship Bridge Community Bank “Chuamango Women's Network” in the department (state) of Sololá. These women have various businesses, ranging from the production and resale of Maya clothing to selling food. The women will be able to receive a variety of training through the “Microcredit Plus” program, which will help them continue firmly on this path.

Gracias!!

In this group: Maria , Manuela , Catarina , Manuela , Luisa , Antonia , Dorca Florinda, Elsa Elizabeth, Maria

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerCharissa Nelson. View original language description.