Today (Saturday 6/7) we took at day trip to visit the women
of Pricipal who are known for making Panama Hats. Peace Corps volunteers
recognized the brilliant weaving ability of the people in this region back in
2002 and have worked with them to help create a relatively successful business.
Right now there are 17 female entrepreneurs within the organization that make
hats, baskets, etc. from a certain type of straw grown near their region. The
women even have been given the opportunity to sell these hats through a
distributor to an even larger market than the small town of Principal, and
expand their market. Each item that a woman makes, she receives 95% of the
revenue, and the other 5% goes to covering costs. So, as you can tell, this is
incredibly helpful for the financial stability and independence of these women.
The name Panama Hat is slightly a misnomer, as more than 95%
of these hats are made in Ecuador. The commonly known name “Panama Hat” only originated
from the hat’s use in movies. So… when in Ecuador….I bought a hat... Costing only
about 10 dollars each, the handiwork of these women is incredible. Passing
through town you see women sitting watching a soccer game and simultaneously weaving
this extraordinary hat. This hat business has helped so many women create
careers for themselves and provide for their families. The trade is a dying
trade though, so hopefully their children find interest in weaving to keep the
real Panama Hats alive.
I also ate Cuy today. I don’t want to talk about it out of
respect for my former pets. Google it… it tastes like a tiny chicken.
Lots of love from Ecuador,
Jen
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