Dreaming Hands wins UNESCO and Dior leadership award

The Argentine project Dreaming Hands, led by Valentina Bruno, has won first place in the ‘Dreaming for Change’ leadership program, an initiative established by UNESCO and the French fashion house Dior. The program selects 300 women globally each year, and this year’s top honor was awarded to Dreaming Hands for its work in empowering female artisans and preserving traditional weaving practices.

Operating through an e-commerce model via Instagram and WhatsApp, the initiative connects weavers from the Puna region of Northern Argentina directly to consumers. The platform allows customers to purchase handmade items such as llama wool sweaters, shawls, and ponchos while learning about the specific artisan who created each piece. This system aims to promote fair trade by ensuring weavers receive unexpected levels of profit for their traditional craftsmanship, which is often passed down through generations.