Artisans turn waste into jewelry, empowering women

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In Cateura, a group of female artisans led by Librada Leguizamón transforms discarded materials into delicate jewelry through the Cateura Accessories project, promoting creative recycling and women’s economic empowerment.

Located near the Cateura landfill, this innovative project emerged with a dual mission: turning waste into beautiful handcrafted jewelry and empowering local women. In a country where gender disparities remain a significant concern, this initiative not only focuses on sustainability but also plays a crucial role in advancing women’s economic independence.

According to the 2023 Permanent Household Survey, Paraguay’s female employment rate stands at 54.4%, with women earning 23% less than men for paid work, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). In this context, promoting women’s economic empowerment becomes essential for improving both individual and community well-being.

Cateura Accessories was launched in 2019 through a partnership between various organizations, including the Mil Solidarios Association, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and civil society groups. The project has trained over 1,000 women from the Bañado Sur community—many of them mothers—in artisanal skills and waste management, turning discarded materials into unique jewelry pieces.