Location: BELIZE
Beneficiaries: Indigenous Women
In Belize, where rich culture and traditional craftsmanship flourish, a group of indigenous women artisans are rewriting their future. Led by Marcelia Assi and supported by the Home of Indigenous Arts Belize, these women are walking an inspiring journey to boost their productivity, creativity, and financial independence. With the support of a grant from The Pollination Project, what started as a challenge to improve product quality has grown into a story of empowerment, resilience, and transformation.
The Project
The project was born out of a simple but powerful need – to equip indigenous women artisans with the tools and knowledge to enhance their craft and grow their businesses. The core challenge many of these women faced was the limitation of hand-sewing, which restricted their productivity and the quality of their handmade products. To address this, Marcelia Assi and the Home of Indigenous Arts Belize acquired four sewing machines, one for each of four communities.
Before the machines were delivered, 17 women participated in training sessions on how to properly use the machines and explore new product ideas. These sessions opened the door for innovation and inspired the artisans to create diverse, high-quality products. Once the sewing machines were distributed, the results were transformative.
The Impact of the Seed Grant
The real impact of this project was made possible by the support of The Pollination Project. With the TPP grant, four sewing machines were purchased and delivered to the communities where the women artisans live and work. For women who previously relied on hand-stitching every item, the introduction of these machines was revolutionary.
Before the project, these artisans faced numerous challenges – time-consuming manual labor, inconsistent product quality, and limited income-generating potential. With the sewing machines, the artisans dramatically improve the quality and durability of their products, and they also expanded their services to include custom sewing projects. Production capacity increased, costs were reduced, and opportunities for higher earnings followed. This newfound productivity enabled these women to contribute more significantly to their household income, strengthening both their families and communities.
The TPP grant catalyzed a shift in mindset and confidence. The women began to see themselves not only as artisans but as entrepreneurs with the tools to grow and succeed.
The Future
The future of this initiative is bright and filled with possibilities. Marcelia Assi and the Home of Indigenous Arts Belize are committed to building on the project’s success by providing continuous capacity-building opportunities for these women. Workshops will focus on creating new product lines, enhancing marketing strategies, and strengthening their entrepreneurial skills.
The project is also expanding to include women from two additional communities, bringing the total to six rural communities that will benefit from this initiative. By growing the network of indigenous women artisans, the project aims to create a thriving ecosystem of support and collaboration, empowering even more women to achieve financial independence and preserve their cultural heritage through their craft.
Ultimately, the impact of this project goes beyond economic improvement. It builds confidence, fosters creativity, and strengthens the cultural identity of these artisans. With the right tools and opportunities, they are inspiring future generations of indigenous women to dream bigger and embrace their full potential.
TPP, you supported us at the right time and gave an opportunity to indigenous women who normally would not receive support, so they can embrace their artisanal skills to change their livelihoods You supported us to preserve cultural heritage, improve livelihoods, one authentic craft at a time. In our language we say “Bantiox” (Thank you).
Marcelia Assi
Marcelia Assi is an indigenous Maya woman dedicated to empowering women from marginalized rural communities in Belize. With over 15 years of experience in the NGO sector, she specializes in designing capacity-building programs that help women turn traditional skills into sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.
Marcelia’s work has impacted over 2,175 indigenous individuals, providing tools and opportunities for women to rise above poverty and become agents of change in their communities. A business professional with experience as a Director, Project Manager, University Educator, and Business Consultant, she continues to expand her efforts, creating lasting social and economic transformation.
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