Made by Women
An initiative by Peces para la Vida (Fish for Life)
driving empowerment, nutrition, and innovation through a new fish powder value chain in Bolivia.
Made by Women, For Women
In the vibrant communities of San Carlos and Yapacanà of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia a remarkable transformation is underway. Made by Women is a pioneering initiative that empowers women by revolutionizing the local aquaculture industry. This project focuses on enhancing nutrition and creating sustainable livelihoods by producing and marketing a nutrient-rich fish powder.
Addressing key developmental challenges, it aims to improve the nutrition of families while providing diverse economic opportunities for rural women. By converting small, non-commercial fish into a valuable food product, this initiative not only promotes health but also supports sustainable practices. Made by Women embodies the spirit of community, innovation, and the powerful role of women in driving local development.
FIT Introduction Video
This innovative solution is engaging women farmers as participants in addressing local nutritional needs, marginalization and livelihood challenges in central Bolivia.
In partnership with women’s aquaculture producers’ associations, the testing project is introducing a nutritionally dense fish powder designed, produced, and marketed by women, for women.
Women farmers are being trained to lead the development of optimized production, processing (drying and artisanal production), and transport. To test market uptake of the product the program is conducting market research using focus groups, consumer surveys, and sales data.
The program is also testing the nutrition profiles of various locally available fish to determine how to create an optimal fish powder and/or a variety of fish powders to address consumer desire for specific nutrients and flavours, thereby expanding market opportunities for women producers.
Our Goals
Empowering Women Innovators
We aim to inspire and support women in transforming fish into unique, market-ready products that add value and drive innovation.
Creating Economic Opportunities
 Our project opens new avenues for income, empowering women fish farmers and rural entrepreneurs to thrive in their communities.
Enhancing Nutrition and Health
We focus on increasing the consumption of fish powder, particularly among women and children, to boost nutrition and improve health outcomes in Bolivia.
From Water to the Table
A committed and collaborative process that transforms fresh fish into a versatile powder, ensuring quality and nutrition.
Discover the process behind the powder!
Co-creating their own Brand
The fish powder more than a product; it’s a reflection of collective effort and purpose-driven innovation. The brand itself was born from this collaborative spirit. Through a process of learning, disscusing and proposing, the women created a brand for the fish powder that identifies them. Take a look at the process!
1. Dynamic Workshops
Through dynamic workshops, women leaders have come together to shape and refine prototypes for the brand, infusing it with their unique perspectives and aspirations. The result was two groups with two brands featuring unique colors, logos, slogans and styles.
2. Testing Prototypes
Having created two different brands, the women in the project presented said prototypes in different fairs to gather opinions and understand how the consumer would react to both brands.
3. Defining the Brand
The result is SabroPez, a name that captures the essence of the product: sabroso (tasty) and pez (fish). It’s a brand that identifies them, born from their own creativity and collective power. A brand that captures culture, empowerment, nutrition and tradition.
Introducing SabroPez
High Nutritional Value on Your Table.Â
SabroPez is more than a product; it’s a revolution in a package. Conceived, developed, and brought to life by a collective of visionary women, it represents a pioneering solution to Bolivia’s nutritional challenges. By transforming a local, underutilized fish into a versatile superfood, these women have created an innovative tool for community health and economic empowerment
- A Symbol of Empowerment: Every package is a testament to female leadership, entrepreneurship, and the power of a shared vision.
- Nutritional Innovation: A simple, natural way to fortify daily meals with essential nutrients like Iron, Calcium, Zinc, and high-quality protein.
- Sustainably Sourced: Made from 100% native fish, promoting the smart use of local resources.
- Designed for Families: Created by mothers, for mothers, to easily enrich the diets of children and the entire family.
Voices of Our Protagonists
Discover what our community is saying about Made by Women!
It’s amazing how much changes when people truly listen to what we have to say. For years, I felt unheard, But since initiatives began to prioritize our voices, I’ve seen a huge shift. My ideas are now valued, and I feel respected.
This program was a turning point for my career. The mentorship was invaluable, helping me find the confidence to pursue leadership. It’s been challenging, but I feel incredibly fulfilled and capable now.
“Living here in YapacanÃ, it’s so important that my kids stay healthy, especially with the climate and all the activity. Â I find it great that I can add the powder in their rice or soup and still help them it better!
Our Team
Meet the Technical Team in Bolivia
Meet the backbone of our innovation: the Technical Project Team. This dedicated group is responsible for building and implementing the core solutions of our project. Their expertise ensures the robust and efficient delivery of our technological advancements.
Meet our Agents of Change
Meet our Change Agents! This vital team is dedicated to connect everything, share information, gather feedback, and help integrate the changes smoothly across the project. They’re key to spreading awareness and involving all the stakeholders of Made by Women
The Project's Gallery
From production to promotion, every stage reflects their creativity, strength, and commitment to healthier communities.
1. Crafting the Fish Powder
Women transform locally sourced fish into a fine, high-protein fish powder. Clean, nutritious, and ready to nourish.
2. The Brand Workshop
The name, colors, slogan and logo. SabroPez was born through a collaborative process, reflecting care, purpose, and cultural pride.
3. Testing The Prototypes
After the two groups created their concept brands, they were introduced and tested in the community
4. The Official Presentation
On May 30, we proudly presented SabroPez, a nutritious and innovative fish powder created by women, for communities.
5. SabroPez at Fairs and Community Events
As part of its mission to promote nutrition and local innovation, SabroPez has been actively showcased at fairs and cultural events across the region.
Stay Connected with the Project!
Follow us on the official Peces para la Vida Facebook page for updates, community stories, and upcoming activities!
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