THE INKA TRADITIONS STORY

AN OBSTACLE BECAME
AN OPPORTUNITY

In the early 1990s, Peru faced a severe economic, social, and political crisis. Terrorism devastated Andean communities, forcing families to flee their homes and seek refuge in the capital city.

Artisan workshop

THE BEGINNING

FROM SOCIAL WORK
TO SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Dalila Gamarra worked as a social worker with women organizations—Mothers Clubs, Glass of Milk Programs, and Community Kitchens. Her mission was to support families escaping violence and poverty.

Recognizing that these displaced women possessed extraordinary traditional skills, Dalila created productive workshops to help them rebuild their lives. What began as a social program evolved into Rinconcito de las Tradiciones Peruanas—later becoming the brand we know today as INKA TRADITIONS.

By 2000, peace returned to Peru. The women who had fled terrorism began returning to their home communities in the Andes. But this was not goodbye—it was a new chapter.

Dalila made a pact with them: she would travel to their villages to continue training and supporting their craft. Today, Inka Traditions works with artisan workshops throughout Peru, providing training in teamwork, quality control, and business skills while preserving ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations.

THE RETURN

A PACT
MADE REALITY

Women entrepreneurs

OUR MISSION

WHAT WE STAND FOR

01

Empowering Women

Fair wages and skills training for artisan women across Peru.

02

Preserving Heritage

Traditional techniques like backstrap loom weaving kept alive.

03

Supporting Communities

Rural highland communities receive sustainable economic support.

04

Global Connection

Ancient traditions connected with modern homes worldwide.

REDMEP

NETWORK OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF PERU

Dalila also founded REDMEP (Red de Mujeres Empresarias del Peru) in 2011. This organization empowers women economically and strengthens them as business leaders, creating a supportive community where successful entrepreneurs mentor others.