Artisan Crafted Handbags
For nearly two decades, Mercado Global has transformed the lives of Indigenous women and their families in Central America. We thoughtfully design fashion accessories in partnership with our artisans and world-renowned retailers — empowering the women who weave our collections and inspiring the women who wear them. Together, we are working to make the fashion world more ethical, sustainable, and just — for all of us.
At Mercado Global, we believe in a holistic approach to poverty alleviation.
Our Community-Based Education program provides trainings and workshops in local languages.
This continued learning, paired with income-earning opportunities, enables women to become confident leaders, in charge of family health, finances, and education.
The women we partner with are incredibly talented weavers and sewers, whose main barrier between a life of poverty and unlimited possibilities is access to a market.
We design collections for international retailers while using traditional local weaving techniques, providing:
With the help of our regional partners, we gift artisans with sewing machines and looms, so they may develop their craft and increase production, resulting in additional income. We provide matching monetary incentives for artisans to save a portion of their earnings, allowing them to build their resources. And in times of need such as a medical emergency, we’re there to offer financial assistance.
With Mercado Global’s holistic approach, women are breaking the cycle of extreme poverty and becoming entrepreneurs in their own right.
Across the board, Mercado Global partner artisans are thriving in comparison to the national average.
99% of MG artisans’ children are enrolled in school.
35% of children are enrolled in school in Guatemala’s rural areas.
64% of MG artisans have a personal bank account.
Only 27% of the indigenous population have bank accounts.
73% of MG artisans have access to the food and nutrition they need.
Only 45% of Guatemala's indigenous rural population has access to proper nutrition.
84% of MG artisans are in a leadership position despite the inequality faced in a male-dominated society.
Guatemala has the fourth highest rate of gender-motivated violence in the world.
If you have any questions or want to find out how to get more involved, please contact
Ryan Lavigne • ryan@mercadoglobal.org
