"Women need to value ourselves and support one another."-Flori
In the region of Parramos, Guatemala, a group of women is weaving more than just products—they are weaving paths to independence, support networks, and new ways to envision the future.
Since 2021, United4Change Center’s technical empowerment program for women entrepreneurs, “Weaving an Inclusive Community in Guatemala,” has been working alongside women in the Municipality of Parramos, Chimaltenango. The program aims to strengthen not only their businesses but also their voices, self-esteem, and support networks.
During a recent visit to the project, I had the opportunity to facilitate workshops on empowerment, entrepreneurship, and strategies for participating in fairs. More importantly, I had the chance to listen to the stories of women who, with courage and creativity, have transformed challenges into momentum. Many started their businesses amid the pandemic as a direct response to the economic and social crisis. They found in weaving, cooking, farming, and other products a concrete way to sustain themselves and gain autonomy.
In those conversations, words like “fear,” “women’s role,” and “inequality” came up repeatedly. However, so did words like “hope,” “motivation,” and “network.” In a country marked by a past of armed conflict and internal displacement, where many women still face the consequences of structural machismo, entrepreneurship becomes a form of resistance and a reimagining of the future.
At U4C, we focus on fostering collective work. Being part of a network of women entrepreneurs is one of the most transformative aspects for them. By sharing, learning, growing, making mistakes, and starting again in a safe space supported by the U4C team, women gain confidence and creativity. As Flori expressed: “Women need to value ourselves and support one another.”
Entrepreneurship is not just about economic independence. It is also an open door to imagine oneself as part of something greater. Women recognize their power and energy, and are seen as active agents of change in their community. The program spaces provide technical training, but also foster confidence, creativity, and collaboration among women, their children, networks, and communities.
From my experience participating in other U4C projects with women in places like Houston and Kenya, I can affirm that true empowerment cannot be imposed. It must be awakened from within—from their passions, stories, contexts, and surrounding needs. That is precisely what these women have shown. The power to create, sustain themselves, weave networks, and envision possible futures already resides within them. Gaining skills, training, and visibility for their dreams requires support from their environment. This includes family, community, private sector, social organizations, and the public sector. When that support exists, it reinforces a vital message: They are not alone.
Thank you, women of Parramos, for reminding us that entrepreneurship is also about healing. Indeed, when we unite and work together, we are stronger.
María Antonia Pérez
Creativity & Innovation Advisor, U4C
