Authors: Karla Serrano Villamayor and Ana Vanessa Olvera Palacios

This is the story of courage, transformation, and boundless potential, exemplified by the Tseltal indigenous women of San Jerónimo Tulijá and their transformative journey during the Fab Challenge México 2024.

A Global Team United for Change

The Fab Challenge México 2024 brought together in the jungle an eclectic team of international professionals—two Japanese, a Brazilian, a Portuguese, and a Latinized Frenchman. Their mission was to collaborate with the Tseltal women of Yo’tan Te’, a collective of 11 indigenous female carpenters from one of Mexico’s most impoverished regions, San Jerónimo Tulijá, Chilón, Chiapas.

Chiapas, the poorest state in Mexico, is characterized by deep economic and social divides. According to the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (CONEVAL) in 2022, six out of ten people in Chiapas live in poverty. 

Amid these challenging conditions, the Tseltal women of Yo’tan Te’ have dared to dream of a different future. They envisioned creating a collective enterprise that would challenge gender stereotypes and foster economic independence while providing essential furniture to their community.

Immersive Innovation and Hands-On Learning

During the week-long Fab Challenge, the international team taught participants a range of innovative tools and methodologies. From idea generation and creativity-fostering techniques to prototyping and process systematization, the participants engaged in a comprehensive learning experience. 

With their design capabilities strengthened, the women moved on to mastering the use of workshop machinery, including CNC machines, traditional woodworking tools and advanced equipment such as laser engravers and 3D printers.

Creating for the Community: Practical Solutions

Three significant prototypes were developed during the challenge, addressing the specific needs of the San Jerónimo community. These prototypes aimed to minimize import costs and make products more accessible. By utilizing local materials, the women could enhance their economic income while providing the community with affordable, relevant products.

Building Bonds and Breaking Barriers

Visiting local homes allowed the international team to gain insights into domestic space usage, family priorities, and economic possibilities. This understanding and the continuous feedback from the Tseltal women led to refinements in the designs, ensuring that the final products were well-suited to local needs.

The international team and the Tseltal women developed a strong bond characterized by mutual respect and shared goals. As Antonia Demeza, the group’s leader, expressed: “We are excited because now we know how to do things we never even imagined before. We handle tools that even our husbands don’t know how to use. Personally, I am thrilled because I know this is not just a project for us; perhaps our children will be able to join someday if they are interested. I know this is also something for our families.

The Power of Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

Documenting the project’s process was a fundamental aspect of ensuring that the knowledge gained would be preserved, shared, and expanded. In a context where oral tradition predominates, creating a written record may seem less glamorous but is an innovative step towards sustaining and broadening the project’s impact.

A Testament to Transformative Collaboration

The Fab Challenge México 2024 stands as a powerful testament to the potential of cross-cultural collaboration. The partnership between the international team and the Tseltal women of Yo’tan Te’ demonstrates how global and local forces can unite to drive social change. This venture has not only advanced the carpentry project but also provided a model for overcoming economic and social barriers, fostering gender equality, and enhancing community resilience.

We express our deep appreciation to the, Fab City Foundation, Fab Foundation, IBERO Puebla, Lorena Crepaldi de Carvalho, Patrick Condevaux, Ricardo Marques, Masato Takemura, Koji Yamada and Daan Sonnemans for all your support and dedication to this project. Thank you for walking together, with one heart.