How Chimuk's Artisan Savings Program Empowers Women in Peru
Saving Together
Creating opportunities beyond employment through financial empowerment
At Chimuk, our mission goes beyond creating beautifully hand-knit accessories. Every beanie, scarf, and bucket hat is made by talented women artisans in Peru, and every purchase helps support programs that strengthen financial independence, wellbeing, and long-term opportunity.
Last year, we introduced a new initiative
An artisan savings program designed to help the women we work with build financial security, one month at a time. It began as a small pilot with just two artisans. This year, eleven women have chosen to participate. While the numbers may seem modest, the impact reaches far beyond a growing savings balance.
A Simple Savings Program with Lasting Impact
Our artisan savings program is intentionally simple.
Each month, 10% of an artisan's earnings is automatically set aside.
At the end of the year, she receives her full savings—money she has already earned, safely held until she's ready to use it. There are no complicated forms, hidden fees, or financial barriers.
Just a consistent way to save that fits naturally alongside the income our artisans earn through their work with Chimuk.
Why does Financial Inclusion Matter for Women in Peru?
For many people, opening a savings account or setting money aside each month feels routine.
But for millions of women around the world, including many in Peru, saving money isn't always straightforward.
According to the World Bank's Global Findex Database, women are still less likely than men to access and actively use formal financial services in many parts of the world.
Financial inclusion has improved in Peru over recent years, but barriers remain, particularly for women with lower incomes or those working in informal sectors. Beyond access to banking, there's another challenge.
In many households, financial decisions are still shared unequally. While this doesn't reflect every family's experience, it's common for women to contribute income while having limited control over how that money is ultimately spent.
That's where our artisan savings program can make a meaningful difference. By setting aside part of each artisan's earnings in her own name, we're helping create greater financial independence, confidence, and choice.
