How MayaWorks Practices Fair Trade

MayaWorks is much more than an outlet for Mayan products. The commitment of MayaWorks to the economic development of women goes far beyond the exchange of money for goods made in Guatemala. At its core, MayaWorks is about creating work for women so that they become self sufficient. MayaWorks believes that community development happens through economic development of women who otherwise have limited ways to participate and contribute to the economic stability of their families. Giving women an opportunity to earn an income from their skills gives them self-confidence and hope for themselves, their children, their family and their village.

MayaWorks operates within the principles of Fair Trade. This means that women are paid a fair wage in the local context and take part in decision making. MayaWorks artisans are paid at or above the minimum wage in the local context. They receive a 50% cash advance at the time an order is placed and are paid the remaining 50% when they turn in products.

All MayaWorks artisans work from their homes. This allows them to be available to care for their children and elderly family members. On average women weave five hours per day making over 165 products for distribution through MayaWorks in the United States.

MayaWorks provides artisans the tools they need to weave and finish products including foot looms and sewing machines. In addition, MayaWorks assures that artisans are fully trained to create new products. Each weaving group receives at least three trainings per year that include workshops such as how to weave ikat fabric and sew complicated children’s items, as well as workshops that develop transferable skills such as business administration and financial management.

Artisans are not organized by cooperatives but rather by local weaving groups. They share leadership and, together, decide who will be a part of their group and what products they will make. MayaWorks has worked with the same weaving groups for over 15 years and has made a conscious decision not to take on additional groups until all of its artisans are working at capacity.

MayaWorks makes a commitment to its artisans and their families by providing educational opportunities such as literacy courses, scholarships and local tutoring centers. MayaWorks also offers low-interest microloans so that artisans develop into entrepreneurs and have an alternative source of income.

MayaWorks’ Guatemala operation has been completely managed by indigenous women since its inception. These administrators understand the complexities of doing business in Guatemala, speak the artisans’ native language and live in the same communities as the artisans. More importantly, they are driven by their desire to see indigenous women progress in a country where they are often regarded as less than second class citizens.

We are thankful for the support we receive from friends like you who have made it possible for us to provide nearly $2,000,000 in earnings to indigenous women in Guatemala and over $190,000 in support of charitable activities in artisans' local communities. Gracias, mil gracias!