Caramelo 4 Group

María is 49 years old. Her parents gave her the opportunity to complete her primary education, as they had limited resources.

María is the eldest daughter. She has devoted herself to supporting her mother and taking care of her siblings. Her mother taught her to weave. This allowed her to generate income to support her family.

María got married when she was 16. She continued weaving and her income helped cover the family expenses. Her husband was a farmer who did all kinds of work.

One of María's siblings told her about the opportunity to obtain a loan from the Asociación Chajulense de Mujeres Unidas por la Vida [Chajulense Association of Women United for Life], which gives loans to support women.

Loans have allowed her to invest in her production of huipiles, allowing her to expand her weaving business. This year she will purchase thread to expand her production of huipiles [traditional blouses] and to purchase items for her variety store.

María is the leader of the Caramelo 4 group which is made up of four women, all of the Maya Ixil ethnic group. The group will invest 40% in textiles and 25% in retail. On average, each member of the group has three children. The average age of the group members is 42 years. 20% are illiterate, 20% have not completed primary school, 40% have completed primary school and 20% have studied up to the seventh grade.

In this group: Maria, María, María, María Magalí

Translated from Spanish by Kiva volunteerNicole Efros. View original language description.