Celebrating the First Binational Gathering of Women Artisans
In October, Engraw had the honour of supporting the First Binational Encounter of Women Artisans, held in Rivera and organised by the Sociedad de Fomento Rural de Rivera.
The gathering brought together more than 100 women from across Uruguay and southern Brazil, all united by their craft and their commitment to working exclusively with wool in their handmade pieces.
Our contribution included donated wool tops for a community raffle and an economic contribution to help make the event possible. For us, it was a way of standing behind the people who keep the region's wool culture alive — not through grand claims, but through genuine appreciation for their work, identity and tradition.
The objective of the encounter was clear:
to create a space where wool artisans could share knowledge, exchange techniques, celebrate cultural heritage, and strengthen the place of wool as a noble, natural and circular material within Latin America's craft traditions.
The atmosphere throughout the gathering was filled with enthusiasm. Many participants expressed how meaningful it was to feel supported and recognised, not only for their craft but also for the cultural value and rural identity they represent.
The programme also included training sessions in marketing and a design workshop delivered by the University of the Republic (Udelar), aimed at enhancing skills related to product presentation, communication and commercialisation — tools that help artisans bring their work to a wider audience.
This first binational edition was shaped through collaboration with multiple institutions, creating new networks of support for rural women and reinforcing the role of wool in both the local and regional economy.
At Engraw, we believe in accompanying initiatives that highlight the people, the knowledge and the cultural legacy behind wool. Supporting these encounters is a way of recognising the work of artisans who, through their hands, preserve a heritage that continues to connect communities across borders.