Social Entrepreneurship
A social enterprise is a business with a purpose—reinvesting its revenue to grow sustainably while using part of its profits to give back to the community. This model reduces reliance on external funding, like grants and loans, ensuring long-term impact and independence.
Sustainable products made to empower women in Peru.
Yanantin Alpaca is all about making a difference! We’re a social enterprise that helps reduce gender inequality by creating fair job opportunities for women with limited access to formal work. By empowering women through ethical employment and beautiful alpaca wool craftsmanship, we’re all about supporting financial independence—one cozy piece at a time.
Meet the inspiring women we're currently working with...
At Yanantin Alpaca, our mission is to empower women in Peru
By providing not just fair wages, but an environment that truly supports their growth. In a society where gender inequality is still rampant—where women face domestic violence, the triple burden of family, household, and work, and exploitation in the informal labor market—Yanantin stands for something better. We offer more-than-fair salaries, flexible hours, and training.
Our vision is gender equality
We envision a world where gender inequality is a thing of the past, starting with businesses that are committed to closing the participation gap and making the labor market a welcoming place for women.
At Yanantin Alpaca, we’re driving that change. We don’t just want to pay great salaries; we’re building a safe, empowering space where women can share their ideas and grow, taking charge of their futures every step of the way.
Curious how it all began?
Understanding the Needs
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What the Women Say...
We believe in listening to the voices of the women we work with. That’s why we asked our knitters what they truly need to thrive. The answers were clear:
- A salary increase, ideally between S/. 1800 and S/. 2500 per month.
- Flexible hours and the ability to work from home.
- A safe place to work and to “escape” to.
- Opportunities for workshops and training to grow both personally and professionally.
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What the Statistics Say...
Peru’s traditional gender stereotypes still run deep. In many households, men earn the income, while women manage the home, care for children, and juggle paid work because the income simply isn’t enough. The numbers paint a sobering picture:
- 28% of women in Peru have experienced gender violence.
- 68% of informal workers are women.
- Women spend an average of 24 hours per week on unpaid work. And the “normal” workweek in Peru is already 48 hours—yikes!
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What the Experts Say...
The OECD's 2022 Report on Gender Equality in Peru outlines key steps for achieving gender equality in the workforce. Their recommendations include:
- Reducing barriers to sharing both paid and unpaid work more equally
- Raising women's wages
- Offering support like childcare services, and educational opportunities for teenage mothers,
- Enhanced social protection programs to make the formal labor market more attractive to women.
The Dream Scenario
At Yanantin Alpaca, we listen to our knitters, we analyze the stats, and we follow the experts' recommendations to create real change. We’re proud of the great salaries and training we offer, but we know we can do more.
Our dream scenario looks like this:
- A reliable salary well above the minimum wage—ideally, we’re talking double that (at least!).
- On-site childcare or a local nanny to support moms and their little ones (it’s a top priority!).
- Flexible hours and the option to work from home, making accessibility even easier.
- A five-day workweek, study days, and the flexibility to pursue (or return to) education.
- A safe, supportive workplace where women feel secure and are less exposed to domestic violence.
This is the future we’re building—one where women feel empowered and supported every step of the way.
Curious?
Want to know more about what we’re up to? Our Impact Reports spill all the details! See how much we invest, how much our knitters earn, and exactly where the money goes. Plus, take a look at what we’ve accomplished over the past five years—and get a sneak peek at our plans for the next five!