Set of Four Handwoven Cotton Placemats from Guatemala, "Highland Flowers"

The group is a network of many women artisans throughout several communities. They work together to produce large numbers of beautiful handwoven decor accents and fashion accessories, and all support each other in times of need. Overall, there are about 400 women artisans in their network.

With the traditional backstrap weaving techniques taught by their mothers, who learned it from their own mothers, the women incorporate a wide variety of beautiful designs with traditional patterns and techniques.

Several women in the group or their family members suffer from diabetes and other diseases. Some conditions are so severe that they stay and work from home to rest or to take care of ill family members.

Our motivation is strong — our families and our children. We want to be able to send them through school so they can become who they want to be in life, so they can fulfill their dreams.

The Women United for Artisan Development group is made up of women of all ages, many of whom have children or grandchildren they support.

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.