Knitting for a better life

Peru, where EccoExe was founded, has experienced a major economic boom in recent years. However, the resulting prosperity is relatively unevenly distributed in the Andean nation. Many population groups, especially indigenous people and those of African descent in rural areas, live below the poverty line. Violence against women is also a widespread problem.

In 1987, the vision of Elia Legua, a socially committed Peruvian economist, led to the idea of helping particularly disadvantaged women to obtain a secure income and thus a long-term perspective. In search of better living conditions, these women came to the capital Lima, but continued to live here under difficult conditions.

By promoting the independence of women, we are also paving the way for a better future for their children and grandchildren. Respect and social sustainability are the guiding principles of the projects and our work.

Rosa Chavez, Founder of EccoExe

Today, EccoExe continues to train disadvantaged women in the production of high-quality knitwear. In addition, the production processes are planned so that the women can work both at home and in the workshop. This is all the more important because EccoExe primarily trains and employs particularly disadvantaged women: single mothers, women with disabilities and older women who would have virtually no opportunities in the regular labor market.

The knitwear produced is handmade and of very high quality, which is hard to find on the market today.