Andean Hand-Painted Ceramic Nativity Ornament from Peru, "Chullo Nativity"

Daily life is difficult for Anita. She cannot afford to leave her husband. She works hard, dreaming of the day she can leave the torment and the verbal abuse behind her. She dreams of being able to move to her own place with her children.

Anita comes from Quinua, a town in Ayacucho famous for its traditional pottery known as Quinua ceramics. Her grandfather was a master ceramist but Anita received most of her training at a workshop in Lima. Over time, the distinctive form of this traditional ceramic art has evolved to include molding. Many of Anita's pieces are made with her own molds. She credits her perfectionism and determination to learn something every day with letting her master this art.

Anita is an important representative of our Women's Empowerment badge, in part because her struggle is still ongoing. "I was forced to marry a man I didn't love, and have endured a lifetime of belittling taunts from my husband. Although he mocks my ceramic work, I continue to produce art in hopes that I may one day have the financial stability to leave him." Anita reminds us that women’s empowerment is not a simple destination but a continuous process.

Every purchase brings Anita one step closer to her independence. Her Novica sales renew her faith in her convictions that she is on the right path. She never loses sight of her goal to move to her own place and to better provide for her family.

Even though two of her children are grown, Anita continues to pay for their studies. Her eldest daughter has a son and Anita is helping to raise him.

Anita has dealt with adversity and an abusive husband while struggling to provide for her four children and one grandchild.