Tejidos Cotzal (Guatemala)

Tejidos Cotzal is the first textile cooperative established in Guatemala founded specifically by women who lost their husbands during the armed conflict. It was started in 1986 by 5 women on a philosophy of cooperation and dedication to high quality weaving on back strap looms. Now they number 45 women. The group is composed of widows in the community. They band together to provide a way for widows to support themselves through the sale of hand woven textiles. The goal is for all the women to earn a fair price for their creations which are traditional in the village. They also organize to support themselves in terms of health services and educational workshops.