In order to boost the economy of the communities of the Talamanca Cabécar territory, the Productive Indigenous Virtual Barter Market of the Kábata Könana Women's Association, in collaboration with the Association for the Integral Development of the Talamanca Cabécar Indigenous Territory (ADITICA) and the Bribri and Cabécar Indigenous Network (RIBCA), held the first fair of agricultural products of high nutritional value and handicrafts within the indigenous territory of Talamanca.

This fair seeks to empower women through traditional practices and principles. "One of the benefits has been realizing how important I am and what I can contribute to my family, my community and my territory," said Imelda Fernández, an entrepreneur in the community.

The event featured the sale of handmade products such as natural fiber baskets, jicara work or gourds decorated with cultural expressions of the indigenous worldview. These handicrafts are made by families participating in the KAWÖ O'ROI solar energy program, which are part of the women's empowerment component through the rescue of ancestral knowledge and skills.

"We showed local organizations that we, as a group of women, can do great things in the territory and have great results. And that, despite the pandemic, we have healthy products to offer and can reactivate our economy."

Maricela Fernández, president of the Kábata Könana Women's Association.

The project was supported by the German non-governmental organization LOVE FOR LIFE and the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests, with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

We share with you some images of the event: