Discover “Serigrafía de La Gringa”, an income-generating project supported by Giti in Guatemala
Providing a real opportunity for change through the economic empowerment of people deprived of liberty. This is one of the main objectives of “Serigrafía de La Gringa”, a social enterprise that has been transforming lives in Guatemala, both inside and outside the prisons. With an impressive recidivism rate of 0% among its beneficiaries, contrasting with the worrying national average of 80%, the project has shown that training and work are powerful agents of social transformation. Created by Ashley Williams in 2008, the project stemmed from an urgent need observed during a visit to a prison in Guatemala: to offer alternatives that would allow inmates to support their families while serving their sentences. In a context where approximately 25 million incarcerated individuals have no work opportunities, "Serigrafía de La Gringa" emerged as an innovative alternative, initially impacting women and later opening work opportunities for the male population as well. Among the products currently customized by project participants are t-shirts, caps, gowns, uniforms, bags, and backpacks, among others.
Through Girk, an exclusive partner in Guatemala, Giti is one of the organizations supporting the initiative. Part of the customized t-shirts used by employees were acquired via “Serigrafía de La Gringa”. Founded in 2003, Girk has been a partner with Giti since 2005, and this action reinforces the importance both companies place on social responsibility initiatives that positively impact the community where they operate. “We believe in the importance of generating second chances that dignify people. We join Ashley in her mission to transform lives, helping women deprived of freedom in Guatemala find a means of livelihood and dignity," says Girk's communications and marketing director, Ivana Rodríguez. "This initiative seeks to break the cycle of violence and inequality that affects many families by providing employment and support to those who want to rebuild their lives,” he adds.
For Giti, having a business partner who looks at society in a human and altruistic way is a source of great pride. “Worldwide, we support projects that seek to create a positive impact in the communities where we operate, helping to solve local problems, promote sustainable development, and improve the quality of life. And when we share the same values with our business chain, we create a greater synergy,” says Latin America Marketing Manager, Luciana Otsuki. For the executive, this not only strengthens the relationship between the company and the distributor but also ensures that both are contributing to common goals, “which can result in a much more significant social impact,” she adds.
If you wish to learn more about Serigrafía de La Gringa, visit: serigrafiadelagringa.com or watch Ashley Williams’ presentation at: TED Talk by Ashley Williams.
