Weaving As Leadership: 

Honoring Quechua Women on International Women’s Day

For Quechua women artisans in the Sacred Valley, weaving is more than a craft—it is leadership, legacy, and resilience woven into every thread. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength of the women of Awamaki, who are preserving ancestral traditions while building sustainable futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

But their leadership extends beyond their looms. Through their work, they are shaping new opportunities, uplifting one another, and proving that when women thrive, entire communities flourish.

At Awamaki, we are committed to co-creating and implementing sustainable programs that improve economic opportunities for Indigenous women artisans in Peru. Our work is deeply rooted in the principles of reciprocity (Ayni), ensuring that success is shared, knowledge is exchanged, and impact is long-lasting.

We believe that Indigenous women should have access to financial independence through handcrafted textiles, global market access, and sustainable tourism. By working together, we support artisans in building businesses that are not only profitable but also preserve their rich cultural heritage.

Cipriana, a weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha spoke to the deep commitment required, saying, “I like to weave the manta (shawl), which takes many days to weave.”

Weaving as Leadership: 

Traditional Andean weaving is passed down through generations, carrying the stories, identity, and wisdom of Quechua culture. It is an art form deeply tied to self-sufficiency. For many artisans, weaving was once solely a household skill, but today, it is a path to economic independence and recognition.

When asked how they learned to weave, Felicitas, weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha shared, “My mother taught me when I was eight years old. The first time, I just made the cho’oro design, a simple block pattern, for bracelets.”

Through Awamaki’s training programs, women refine their techniques, learn quality control, and develop skills in business administration. They become entrepreneurs, selling their handwoven pieces to global markets, gaining financial autonomy, and strengthening their communities.

Ayni: Reciprocity in Action

In Andean culture, Ayni is the practice of mutual support—the belief that when we give, we also receive. It is at the heart of how Quechua women sustain their families, collaborate with one another, and share knowledge. 

Whether working in each other’s fields or assisting with weaving, the women of the community uphold Ayni in meaningful ways. In weaving, support is essential. Setting up a loom is a collaborative effort, requiring at least two people to prepare the structure before the weaving process can begin.

“We help each other set up the loom. You always need two people. I sit down with someone else to set up the loom. We send the yarn back and forth to make the structure of the loom.” – Felicitas, weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha

Beyond the technical aspects, artisans also share knowledge, ensuring that traditional patterns and skills are passed down through generations.

“We help each other with work mostly, with the weaving.”  – Felicitas, weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha

At Awamaki, we embrace Ayni by co-creating opportunities with artisans, ensuring that success is collective and reciprocal. 

While artisans bring generations of expertise in traditional weaving and Andean plant knowledge, they also gain new skills in product development and sustainable tourism, allowing them to share their heritage with the world.

“We learned different products for the tourists. We also learned how to teach about medicinal plants. We knew about the plants, but we learned how to show them to the tourists.” –Cipriana, a weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha 

Through field trips to women-led businesses, training in organic dyes and sustainable practices, and leadership workshops, artisans not only improve their craft but also gain the confidence to mentor others.

This International Women’s Day, take action to support Quechua women’s leadership:

• Shop artisan-made textiles that honor cultural heritage. Every purchase supports economic independence. 
• Share their stories to amplify their voices and contributions.
• Donate to Awamaki’s Educational and Training Programs, which provide:
  • Field trips to women-led businesses for learning and inspiration
  • Leadership and confidence-building workshops
  • Training in business administration, quality control, and sustainable practices

Your donation ensures that women artisans continue to build self-sustaining businesses, invest in their families, and transform their communities with lasting impact.

 

Weaving a Future Together

The Quechua women of Awamaki are not just artisans—they are leaders, mentors, and changemakers. Their work is a testament to the power of tradition, resilience, and collaboration.  When asked what it means to be a woman in their community, one artisan shared:

“Being a woman in Patacancha means I weave.” – Felicitas, weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha

But their responsibilities extend far beyond their craft. Women in Patacancha balance weaving with caring for their families and managing daily household tasks.

“I weave, I cook, and I wash clothes. Women do so much work.” –Cipriana, a weaver from Songuillay in Patacancha 

Our purpose is clear: to co-create sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous women artisans in Peru. Through handcrafted textiles, fair trade partnerships, and meaningful community engagement, we strive to ensure that financial independence is not just a possibility but a reality for every woman we work with.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate and uplift their voices, ensuring that the threads of their legacy continue to weave a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.

Join us in supporting Quechua women: [Donate Now]