Economic Development and Fair Trade Handcrafts

Most women in Bolivia help to support family expenses with day work. Many are also skilled at local handicrafts, baking, and gardening. They can supplement their meager income through sale of these items locally.

Handicrafts can also be exported to fair trade stores in the United States. The Fair Trade movement aims to help producers get a fair price for their products, which are often made with locally-sourced materials. Fair Trade aims to reduce poverty, provide for ethical treatment of producers and workers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

Connie De Jong, co-founder of Fundación Ayllu and Creative Director of World Peaces, a Fair Trade retail and wholesale business, works with local artisans in Bolivia. She helps develop handcrafted products for sale in the United States, including World Peaces.

Fundación Ayllu has a spinning and weaving artisan group where women can increase their skills for marketing items in the United States. The community also houses a small bakery, chicken coop, and garden for food production. Residents can provide some of their own food as well as receive income from local sales.