The cooperative is comprised of Guasdualito residents who are also artisans. According to Guasdualito UNHCR statistical data, 47% of people of concern to UNHCR in the region are women. In 2009, CARITAS Guasdualito conducted a study in order to determine what the needs were as well as what potential opportunities existed for women of concern to UNHCR and national residents. The study revealed that most of them did not have access to formal employment, and for those employed, the pay was very low, so, they preferred to stay at home taking care of the family needs.

To help alleviate these concerns, the need arose to propose a labor initiative that would allow women refugees and asylum seekers to be able to work from their homes, using skills such as weaving, embroidery, and crafts in general.

UNHCR and CARITAS assisted in the formation, training and organization of a group of artisans who, since 2010 have become known as *manos artesanos*. The employment initiative for this group of women began with the contribution of an agreement originally made between UNHCR and CARITAS Guasdualito in the context of a community support project and integration (PACI) craft specialization. This process of developing the coop has also been facilitated by HIAS, which provides supportive care services to *manos artesanos* members as needed.

The coop has participated in various exhibitions and shows organized by the Government of Guasdualito and the Ombudsman, as well as in international fairs in different parts of the country. Since 2012, the Ministry of Popular Power for Culture has been nominated the Coop in Apure State to represent other artisans in fairs that the Ministry organizes nationwide.

In its first year as the result of joint efforts of its members, the coop opened a local sales offices Guasdualito CARITAS, to be able to sell products locally. From 2012, its members have organized workshops and career self-management in Guasdualito and in the town of Elorza, which benefited more than 50 women, both Venezuelan and of concern to UNHCR. As a result, one of the beneficiaries of these workshops, now has his own catering company in Guasdualito.

Among the crafts that are developed include: shoemaking typical to Apure State, home decorations, jewelery, handloom lingerie, hammocks, and handkerchiefs.

Given the increasing in demand for products from the coops, and the need to have their own space, in April 2013 the House of Culture within the municipal jurisdiction, gave them a place where the women's group will be able to not only sell their crafts, but also offer courses to contribute to the empowerment of other women living in Guasdualito.