18.1 %
Peruvian entrepreneurs with access to higher education (INEI, 2023).
EmpoderAndes: Designing Economic Agency for Andean Women Entrepreneurs
Additional data:
- Financier: Australian Embassy in Peru and Bolivia
- Estimated total cost: USD 3,000
- Main allies: Preservando Lab, Instituto Certus, Municipality of San Mateo, San Mateo de Huanchor Peasant Community
Additional data:
- Financier: Australian Embassy in Peru and Bolivia
- Estimated total cost: USD 3,000
- Main allies: Preservando Lab, Instituto Certus, Municipality of San Mateo, San Mateo de Huanchor Peasant Community
Executive summary
EmpoderAndes is a service design intervention focused on strengthening the economic autonomy of Andean women entrepreneurs by closing gaps in leadership, finance, and digital visibility.
Implemented in high-Andean communities of Huarochirí, the program worked with women entrepreneurs in gastronomy, rural lodging, local commerce, and crafts through hands-on workshops and practical support.
Designed and led by Asociación Preservando and Preservando Lab, the project combined Design Thinking and Lean Startup to adapt global entrepreneurship frameworks to rural contexts between 2,000 and 3,400 meters above sea level.
As a result, participants now manage their businesses with greater confidence, clearer value propositions, and accessible digital tools, becoming active economic agents in their territories.
Context and challenge
73.6 %
Rural women working in informal conditions.
38.7 %
Women performing unpaid agricultural labor.
60 %
Rural women without independent income.
Design challenge
How might we strengthen Andean women’s entrepreneurial and digital capabilities while respecting their worldview and enabling sustainable, locally rooted business models?
Beneficiaries
Women aged 21 to 50 with strong community leadership and local businesses, but limited access to formal training, capital, and digital tools.
Gastronomy and rural lodging entrepreneurs: 18 women
Artisans and local retailers: 12 women
Design process
(Methodology: Design Thinking + Lean Startup)
Empathize
1Semi-structured interviews were conducted with community leaders and local authorities to identify barriers in sales, access to credit, and digital literacy.
2
Define
Findings were synthesized into four entrepreneur archetypes: lodging, gastronomy, retail, and artisans.
Ideate
3Training needs were prioritized through participatory workshops using impact–effort mapping.
4
Prototype
The program structure was co-designed and validated with participants and local authorities.
Test
5A pilot leadership workshop was delivered to validate content, format, and facilitation style.
6
Iterate
Content and dynamics were continuously adjusted based on participant feedback, prioritizing simplicity and adoption.
Implemented solution
Format:
4 in-person workshops + Digital network of women entrepreneurs
Key topics:
- Female leadership and self-esteem
- Finance for women entrepreneurs
- Digital marketing
- Management of local ventures
Highlighted innovations:
-
Creation of the first Women’s Network with Sustainable Enterprises in the province.
-
Replicable model based on Australian experiences (Women’s Business 2nd Chance).
-
Training adapted to the rural context and Andean worldview.
Measurable impact
Indicator
Results
Women trained
30 participants
Program satisfaction
99%
Knowledge increase
+60%
Businesses strengthened
30 enterprises
Partner organizations
5 ecosystem actors
Networks created
1 provincial network
Alliances and ecosystem
Design learnings
Cultural adaptation drives adoption: Training aligned with local worldview increased participation and ownership.
Iteration builds trust: Continuous improvement strengthened relationships with participants.
Local alliances ensure sustainability: Co-creation with local authorities increased long-term viability.
Next steps
Materials
Space for presenting visual and documentary evidence:
Training guides: Printed and digital learning materials.
Lean Canvas: Business modeling tools.
Pre- and post-surveys: Impact measurement instruments.
Marketplace mockups: Visual prototypes for the next phase.