NEW PALTZ, New York — In nations similar to Uruguay, employment opportunities are beneficial for the economy. In 2020, the unemployment rate reached 12.67%, a 3.32% increase from 2019. In July 2019, women’s unemployment rate was 12.1%, while men’s stood at just 8.9%. Luckily, Manos del Uruguay extends work opportunities for women in Uruguay, especially for rural village residents where it is challenging to encounter jobs.
The Start of Manos del Uruguay
Manos del Uruguay or “Hands for Uruguay” is a nonprofit organization that offers women artisans of Uruguay jobs making various yarn products. It began with the idea of five women in 1968 including Olga Pardo Santayana de Artagaveytia, Sara Beisso de Souza, Dora Muñoz de Cilibis, María del Carmen Bocking and Manila Chaneton de Vivo. The women envisioned creating more work, social and economic opportunities for women living rurally in Uruguay. The organization began selling products that the women were already making, such as wool blankets and horse saddle pads. They also received assistance from social workers, who provided the women with necessary tools and supplies for production. The founders established a vision for the company by stating that “Manos should not only be a work source but a means of women’s empowerment and development.”
How the Organization Produces its Products
Natural fibers and locally produced wool go into the production of the company’s various items. Producers hand dye the yarns and incorporate them into garments and accessories. They dye the yarns in large, iron kettles over wood fires. This produces the “faded” and striated coloring of the yarn. The company uses minimal water and any excess yarn is recycled into new products. Every product that Manos del Uruguay sells comes with a tag detailing the name of the artisan who designed it along with her village. In an economy where the workers control means of production, purchases directly support the women who craft the products themselves.
A Significant Expansion
Manos del Uruguay started in Uruguay selling its products in local shops and showcasing the products at the annual agricultural show in Montevideo, the nation’s capital. In 1976, in hopes of increasing international buyers and recognition of the organization, Manos del Uruguay opened its first showroom in New York City. The organization sold handcrafted items including yarn and garments. Although the showroom eventually closed in 1986, it paved the way for other individual cooperatives to open across Uruguay. After its New York debut, 17 individual cooperatives opened with an increase of 350 more artisans. Clothing that the company produces has received recognition from well-known brands including Nordstrom’s, Ralph Lauren and Sak’s. From 2010 to 2020, Manos brought in sales of $4.5-$5 million annually.
Improving Education
Manos del Uruguay is not only benefitting the economy by increasing work opportunities for rural women but also improving education for their children. In fact, some of the first kindergartens in Uruguay were introduced by Manos del Uruguay to provide childcare for the company’s employees while they worked. This increased schooling opportunities for more children in Uruguay who otherwise may not have them. In rural villages, most women look after the household and children. Manos takes care of both care and education for the children of artisans. The company also provides health insurance, paid maternity leave and retirement pensions.
There are more than 400 artisans employed in 12 cooperatives across Uruguay currently.
International buyers can purchase products from the organization at https://manos.uy/. Every purchase contributes to the Uruguayan economy and various women workers living in Uruguay.
– Megan Quinn
Photo: Flickr