Traditional work opportunities are virtually non-existent for a large percentage of the population in Argentina, and the people of Villa 31 epitomize the struggle to make a living in a country where more than 50 percent of the population went below the poverty line in less than two months during the crisis of 2001 (on top of the significant number of people who were already there).

In response to an otherwise dire situation, the idea to form a cooperative was born.

Between 20 and 25 women, and some men, gather together to knit – creating handmade sweaters for children and adults using a variety of specialty yarns including silk, alpaca and llama.

Working with designers, the end result is a blend of comfort and beauty. Intricate organic or geometric shapes, sometimes flowers or multicolored butterflies, add interest and confirm the Mujeres Artesanas incredible skill.

Aside from their work, Mujeres Artesanas stresses the values of cooperativismo, or working together, and basic ideals such as self-respect, dignity, and the concept that another world is possible.

"With work, everything can be overcome. Problems begin channeling, which enables people to come out from the darkness and into the light. The situation won’t improve by adding soup kitchens, but by strengthening ourselves as a group – by delving into what causes misery, and more concretely, by creating employment. That’s what strengthens people, and brings them back."
– Emma Almirón

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