About AMA
Association of Agro-Artisan Women that contributes to the development and benefit of the artisans, their communities, and nature.
Our History
AMA surges in 2008 as a productive project to improve the economic income of the women who constitute it, women of different ages, living in urban, marginal urban, and rural areas of the province of El Oro in Ecuador. The Association of Agro Artisan Women establishes the artisanal cultural identity of the province through its processes and creations. In AMA, crafts are transformed, produced, and marketed. Part of the process is based on the recycling of banana stems in different banana plantations after the fruit export process. This accumulation of waste is the raw material to which added value is given, which, together with the acquired knowledge, leads to the transformation of these residues into raw material, thus proceeding to the artisanal and economic activity through the sale of products such as hats, handbags, bags, wallets, souvenirs, artisanal jewelry, and home decoration products. In addition to marketing products and raw materials, the experience is also shared through training workshops, demonstrations, and live workshops.
Lorgia Cuenca and Felicia Mendia, representatives of AMA, comment that the Association continues to work on the corresponding procedures to elevate it to the category of intangible cultural heritage of humanity and obtain the certification of origin. Throughout 12 years of work, they have obtained several recognitions, among the most representative: - Crafts Merit Medal - "Matilde Hidalgo de Procel," Manta. March 2010. - Recognition for Best Women's Organization in the province of El Oro, Loja. IEPS. 2013. - Winners of the Contest Fund promoted by the Ministry of Culture. - Special recognition for the work and artisanal trajectory by the National Board of Artisan Defense, 2022. - Several recognitions for their artisan work by the Provincial Council of El Oro and cantonal GADS of Pasaje, Machala, and Santa Rosa and parish councils of El Retiro.
Mission
AMA establishes the artisanal identity of the province of El Oro, safeguards the knowledge of banana fiber weaving, promotes the circular economy, and contributes to the sustainable development and empowerment of the members.
Vision
To be recognized in the national and international market for their banana fiber hat "Banana Hat," a sustainable, exclusive, and innovative piece that contributes to the economic development and the improvement of the quality of life of rural and urban women who make up the Association.
