International Women’s Day 2026 celebrates the theme “Give to Gain” — the idea that generosity, collaboration, and shared action can drive real progress toward gender equality. At UPAVIM Crafts, this principle has shaped our work for more than 35 years.

Our Story

UPAVIM began in the La Esperanza community on the outskirts of Guatemala City when a group of determined women came together to create economic opportunity where few existed. With the support of volunteers and partners, they formed a women’s artisan cooperative, producing handmade crafts that could be sold internationally. Their goal was simple but powerful: create dignified work for women while building a stronger future for their children.

Today that original vision has grown into a thriving community organization. UPAVIM now includes an international fair trade craft project, a K–6 Montessori school, a daycare, a tutoring center, and a community library. These programs help remove barriers that often prevent women from participating fully in the workforce — particularly childcare and access to education.

A Safe Space Created for Women, By Women

Within the cooperative, women hold a wide range of roles. Some manage production, quality control, or design development. Others prepare materials, oversee inventory, or teach in the school. Many artisans sew products from home, allowing them to balance work with raising children and caring for family members. The cooperative is entirely women-led, creating a safe and supportive workspace for women in a community where traditional gender roles can sometimes limit opportunities to work outside the home.

Over time, this model has created powerful ripple effects. Fair trade employment provides stable income, leadership opportunities, and professional skills. Many artisans are able to support their families through their work with UPAVIM. In households where income is shared, women often earn wages equal to or close to their spouse’s earnings — a shift that strengthens women’s voices in household decisions and helps reshape traditional gender dynamics.

Image: Leaders of UPAVIM Craft meet with Director Angela (center). UPAVIM is fully woman run.

Our Community Invests in Education

Education has been another critical investment. In addition to early childhood and primary education programs, UPAVIM has provided scholarships for artisans and their families to pursue advanced education. Today, second- and third-generation children of UPAVIM artisans have graduated from university and entered professional careers, demonstrating how economic opportunity for women can transform entire families.

This work is possible because of generosity flowing in many directions. Volunteers, nonprofit partners, donors, and board members have contributed time, knowledge, and resources to support the cooperative. Retail partners and customers who choose to purchase fair trade handmade products from Guatemala help sustain the economic engine that supports artisan families.

Thanks For Being Part of Our Community!