Mujeres De Oro Group

Amidst colorful threads and tradition, twenty-four-year-old Jessica has found a way to forge her own path. She is single and lives with her parents alongside her three siblings. From a very young age, she faced financial constraints that led her to leave school while in the fourth grade. Five years ago, she learned the art of weaving the intricate patterns found on traditional blouses. Currently, she works with the support of her mother; together, they craft traditional designs, managing to complete and deliver approximately two blouses per week on a made-to-order basis. This work represents not only a source of income but also the preservation of a cultural heritage. Jessica is applying for her third Kiva loan to purchase threads in various colors wholesale, which will enable her to increase her production volume and fulfill a greater number of orders. Her ultimate goal is to secure her own storefront where she can showcase and sell her products.

The Friendship Bridge "Mujeres de Oro" Community Bank consists of seven women of Tz'utujil Maya descent, all of whom reside in the department of Sololá. Their collective livelihoods include operating a convenience store, as well as weaving and embroidering blouses. These women have united to participate in the Microcredit Plus program, which provides access to loans, educational workshops, and basic health services. Each month, they attend educational training sessions where they learn about the risks of acting as a proxy borrower for others and the importance of avoiding over-indebtedness. Furthermore, every two months, they have access to basic health services.

Jessica shares: "Thank you, Kiva lenders, for supporting us."

In this group: Julia , Irma Yolanda , Lucia , Nicolasa Elena , Jessica Dolores , Lorena , Ingrid

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerCindy Kendall. View original language description.