Mexico › Manos Vivas
Funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the 4-year Manos Vivas (MV) project aimed to improve the livelihood of women artisans in Yucatán and Chiapas through human empowerment, financial skills development, and enhanced gender roles and income via sustainable craft businesses. Manos Vivas implemented an eight-pronged strategy based on best practices to develop the artisan sector in Chiapas and the YucatánPeninsula, focusing on human development, capability strengthening, market-based design, economic inclusion, and financial awareness. The project provided workshops, business training, and market exposure, resulting in improved skills and increased market presence for artisans. Additionally, the project fostered economic inclusion through buyer linkages and financial education, and supported the creation of local organizations and enhanced supply chain practices.
Key Achievements:
Supported and trained 1,686 textile artisans and food processors, 96% of whom were indigenous women.
Enabled $470,559 in sales by connecting artisans with U.S. buyers, both face-to-face and digitally.
Established 63 savings banks with 693 women, created 160 enterprises, and formed 7 commercial businesses involving 600 artisans.
Created the "Tamula" brand for food products and "Dos Tierras" for textiles to ensure ongoing commercial activities.
Formed 18 strategic alliances with public and private sectors to enhance the project's impact and support.
Donor: W.K.Kellogg Foundation
Start Date: September 2018
End Date: October 2022
Number of Beneficiaries: 1,686 Artisans
Training Hours: 1,166,400
Number of Businesses Supported: 9
