The first project ever created entirely for Mẽbêngôkre (Kayapó) women carries their essence at its core: blending tradition, culture, self-esteem, and originality.
Developed by Conservation International in partnership with Protected Forest Association, Kabu Institute, and Raoni Institute, and funded by the L’Oréal Fund for Women, the initiative built and/or renovated 36 sewing houses, purchased equipment and supplies to outfit the spaces, and held nine workshops for 273 Mẽbêngôkre women in 2023. While the project aims to reduce women’s financial dependence on buying clothing in towns near the villages, it goes further — creating spaces for women’s social and political organization.
Traditionally, at the center of Mẽbêngôkre villages stands the warrior’s house. This space has long served as a gathering place for men and the hub of political and social organization in the communities.
The emergence of sewing houses helps solidify a leadership role that Mẽbêngôkre women have long fought to occupy. More than just a place to sew and create crafts, these houses now serve as physical spaces where women can organize, share their needs and interests, and shape the future of their struggle for rights. “Now we have the warrior woman’s house,” says Nhakmakoro Kayapó, who supported a workshop held in the Las Casas Indigenous Land in southern Pará as a monitor and translator.
“The creation of a program that encourages the construction of sewing houses for Kayapó women is an inspiring example of innovation — not only promoting economic autonomy and the development of practical skills, but also becoming epicenters of empowerment and political engagement, where women gather to discuss a more inclusive and participatory future for their communities,” says Renata Pinheiro, Director of the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Program at CI-Brazil.