ayni certify
Staying true to the values embodied in our name, Ayni, meaning reciprocity and mutual support, we are deeply committed to giving back, especially to our collaborators. To honor this commitment, we created an initiative to empower women by expanding their employment and financial opportunities.
In 2012, we launched the Ayni Certify program in partnership with Peru’s Ministry of Employment. The idea was inspired by the artisans of Amantani, a small community on Lake Titicaca, who faced challenges as their traditional crafts were being replaced by more lucrative but less culturally rooted work.
Through government-supported funding, we provide artisans with formal training and certification, helping them to access formal employment and build sustainable livelihoods. Our goal is to recognize and value individual skill, fostering self-esteem, empowerment, and economic independence, while ensuring our products reflect the highest standards of craftsmanship and quality.
Ayni Certify and UN Sustainable Development Goals
Ayni Certify aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting our commitment to social and economic empowerment through responsible craftsmanship.
SDG 1 – No Poverty
Our program supports poverty reduction by promoting employment opportunities for artisans and improving their access to sustainable sources of income.
SDG 5 – Gender Equality
The majority of our artisans are women, and the certification program strengthens their participation in the workforce by offering technical training and leadership opportunities. It allows women to access paid work while balancing family and household responsibilities, supporting independence and inclusion.
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Ayni Certify formally recognizes the skills and abilities that artisans have developed through training and work experience. This acknowledgment of lifelong learning and craftsmanship contributes directly to quality education and personal development.
Below, you can hear from Irma Zarco, one of our talented weavers, as she shares her experience with the Ayni Certification.
DG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
By promoting skill development, revaluing traditional textile practices, and ensuring fair wages, our certification program contributes to sustainable economic growth and improved employment opportunities.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Ayni Certify also raises awareness about responsible production practices. Ayni promotes transparency and traceability across our value chain, documenting each step of the production process and sharing it with our clients to encourage conscious consumption.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Ayni promotes collaboration between artisans, organizations, and global partners to drive sustainable development. Through these partnerships, we strengthen communities, share knowledge, and amplify positive impact across the fashion industry.
Below, you can hear from Irma Zarco, one of our talented weavers, as she shares her experience with the Ayni Certification.
B Corporation Certification
In 2024 Ayni became a Certified B Corporation, implying that the company meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The certification, awarded by the nonprofit organization B Lab, recognizes businesses that balance profit with purpose, proving that growth and positive impact can coexist.
B Corps are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on workers, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment. This ensures that responsibility and ethics are built into every part of company’s operations from sourcing to the final product.
The B Corp movement represents a growing global community of businesses redefining success, using commerce as a force for good. For consumers, the B mark is a trusted symbol that a company doesn’t just claim to be sustainable, but it has proven it through measurable impact.
