Mara Lezama Launches ‘Threads That Transform’ to Empower 10,000 Women Embroiderers

Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama has launched “Hilos que Transforman” (Threads That Transform), a new public program to strengthen the economic independence of more than 10,000 women embroiderers across the state and preserve traditional Maya textile art.

The initiative provides training, mentoring, and support for women who embroider, with a focus on communities in the Maya zone, and will bring tools and knowledge to all 11 municipalities in Quintana Roo.

At the launch, officials announced a historic donation of 54,000 cones of embroidery thread from Casa Díaz de Máquinas de Coser S.A. de C.V. The company reached out through the Mexican Association of Women Business Owners (AMEXME).

“When people come together, extraordinary things happen,” Lezama said. She emphasized that partnerships like this turn donations into opportunities for the women of Quintana Roo.

The materials will be distributed among embroiderers and producers, with special attention to Maya communities, where embroidery is both an economic activity and an expression of identity and cultural heritage.

As part of the program, free 20-hour courses will be offered with a goal of reaching more than 10,000 beneficiaries. The classes will be delivered directly in communities through schools, offices, embroidery workshops, and spaces provided by the women themselves, eliminating travel barriers.

Lezama said the effort demonstrates how cooperation between government, businesses, and civil society can create concrete gains for women, while helping conserve traditional Maya embroidery techniques.