Ruraq Maki, Hands That Create

Ruraq Maki, which means Hands that Create in Quechua, was formed in 2009 and creates economic opportunities for low income female artisans working with traditional crafts. Through fair trade practices and educational workshops Ruraq Maki creates a bridge between artisans and a global market, creating a world where women and artisans are economically and socially independent. Currently we operate the Yanamilla Prison Project, serving incarcerated women in Peru. WHAT WE DO Ruraq Maki works to improve the life of low-income artisans by helping them earn a just and sustainable income. We assist artisans in developing products, using traditional materials, to sell in a global market and purchase products using fair trade practices. Ruraq Maki’s education program aims to increase artisan’s income generating skills and provides artisans with knowledge and skills they are lacking. Workshops are free, open to all members of a community, and materials are provided. VISION: Ruraq Maki envisions a world where all artisans earn a fair and just income, allowing them access to basic resources, such as food, water, shelter, education and health care. In this world, handmade artisan work has a permanent place in the global market and culturally traditional materials and designs are preserved and valued as legitimate forms of art.