First, we are looking at economic development. People living in small communities can face economic challenges such as limited job opportunities and low income levels. We want to create employment opportunities within these communities, where individuals can earn a livelihood, support their families, and contribute to the local economy. This can help improve the overall economic well-being of the community and reduce poverty.
How can we as a small business help with poverty alleviation? Within Mexican communities there are often people disproportionately affected by poverty. By promoting work and economic activities within these communities, there is an opportunity to reduce poverty levels and improve living conditions for the residents living there. Providing jobs can empower individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves and their families.
Building community resilience in small communities is one of the most important parts of having a place to call home. Small communities thrive when there is a sense of solidarity and cooperation among residents. There needs to be a sense of camaraderie with the community for the community to prosper. When people have access to employment within the community, they are more likely to stay and invest in the community's growth. This can strengthen social bonds, enhance community resilience, and foster a sense of belonging and pride among the residents.
Sustainable development: Working in small communities can contribute to sustainable development practices. Promoting local businesses and industries can reduce the need for long-distance commuting, thus decreasing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. By supporting local agriculture and using traditional crafts processes in our products, this can help preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable practices. These practices are often deeply rooted in these communities and need to be honoured.
How we can help women to feel empowered and self-reliant: Creating job opportunities within small Mexican communities empowers individuals to take control of their lives and become self-reliant. This is extremely important for people’s self worth and sense of who they are. It can reduce dependency on external aid or migration to urban areas in search of work. By nurturing local talent and skills, communities can harness their own resources and talents to drive their own development and artistic capabilities.
We found a small group of women to work with that have honed their crafts over many years. Here are a few reasons we felt it is very important to expand our team and bring more culture and knowledge to our business.
We want to promote cultural diversity. Mexico is home to a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, each with its own unique traditions, knowledge systems, and perspectives. By working with indigenous women, their cultural heritage can be preserved, celebrated, honoured and shared with a wider society. It helps to promote cultural diversity, which is essential for maintaining a vibrant and inclusive society. We love the colours, textures and overall vibrancy of our products made by our amazing team.
We want to empower people of all walks of life to have a voice through their artwork. Indigenous women in Mexico often face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization, including gender inequality, economic disadvantages, and limited access to education and healthcare. Working with them can help empower their voices, become more self aware so they can have the confidence to address these inequalities.
Indigenous communities have very valuable traditional knowledge and practices related to natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture. Involving indigenous women in development initiatives brings their expertise to creation of holistic and environmentally sustainable approaches that benefit both the communities and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Promoting gender equality is absolutely fundamental to creating a sense of self and self worth for women. Indigenous women face many intersecting forms of discrimination due to their gender and ethnicity. We feel that by working with them, efforts can be made to challenge gender stereotypes, promote equal rights and opportunities, and improve their access to education, healthcare, economic resources, and leadership positions and artistic expression.
Working with indigenous women nurtures social cohesion and community resilience. By involving them in decision-making processes and development initiatives, it helps to build trust, loyalty and foster collaboration. It is crucial for promoting cultural diversity, empowering their voices, protecting their human rights, and enhancing sustainable development. We can promote gender equality and also strengthen social cohesion.
We want to help to create a more equitable and inclusive society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive. This is one of our main priorities within the Maleia Collective. Let's support one another so we can empower each other!