Peruvian Ministry Honors Weavers for Cultural Preservation

The Peruvian Ministry of the Woman and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) recognized 15 artisans in the province of San Miguel, Cajamarca, for their work preserving traditional qallwa weaving. Minister Edith Pariona and President José María Balcázar attended the ceremony acknowledging the weavers’ contributions to cultural heritage, economic independence, and community development.

The ministry noted these artisans exemplify the efforts of the approximately 195,000 women in Peru dedicated to artisanal work, representing 76% of the country’s organized artisan population. Despite their contributions, artisans still face challenges with formalization, funding, and market access.

To address these issues, MIMP is implementing the National Strategy for Women Entrepreneurs, offering training, technical assistance, and commercial opportunities. The ministry identified 42 ancestral qallwa weavers in San Miguel and plans to incorporate them into a national registry of over 6,000 women entrepreneurs.