Weaving Dreams of Peace and Sisterhood in Paipa, Boyacá

Written by: Andrea M. Fayad Betancourt 

In the heart of Boyacá, Colombia, something beautiful is unfolding—threads of hope, wisdom, and unity are being woven into a single tapestry of peace. Led by María Trinidad Cruz, Director of WFWP in Paipa, a vibrant network of women Ambassadors for Peace have come together to launch a powerful initiative that strengthens the bonds between women and cultivates shared knowledge through collective creation.

Since late 2024, the women of Paipa—many of whom were appointed as Peace Ambassadors during a special gathering in October—have been meeting every Friday in a spirit of collaboration and transformation. Together, they are crafting a symbolic woven blanket, or manta, each stitch representing a woman's personal story, dreams, and ancestral wisdom. This project is part of the broader vision of the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN), and embodies its mission to promote peace through reconciliation, education, and sustainable development.

“The woven blanket is not just a piece of art,” explains María Trinidad. “It is a living symbol of our union, our shared strength, and our commitment to building a culture of peace from the grassroots.”

These weekly encounters are safe and welcoming spaces where women connect deeply, share their cultural and spiritual wisdom, and empower one another. The project aims to fortify the relationships among the current Peace Ambassadors while opening the door to more women in the region to join their circle. As they enter a new semester, the group looks forward to beginning a phase of knowledge exchange—creating workshops and opportunities to share their skills, from traditional crafts to leadership development and conflict resolution.

The initiative is already nurturing a community of women who lead with compassion, listen with respect, and act with purpose. Through their united efforts, the women of Paipa are weaving more than a blanket—they are weaving a future of harmony and hope.