Penduka Social Enterprise Playing their part in reviving the Namibian economy
W
hen following global business news, it tends to be the mega enterprises which dominate the headlines. But bigger, as the saying goes, is not necessarily always better or more important, and small business is quite frankly big business, especially in developing countries where small social enterprises can form the backbone of the economy. According to the European Commission, the social entrepreneurship sector currently employs around 40 million people and engages over 200 million volunteers globally – and is growing. (Financier Worldwide 2022) These businesses combine societal goals with an entrepreneurial spirit and focus on achieving wider social or community objectives. Advantages include the creation of sustainable jobs (reducing unemployment), particularly in rural areas or smaller communities where they provide innovative services and products not otherwise available through state or formal private sector involvement. While making a substantial contribution to help keep people at risk of social exclusion attached to the labour market by providing training and integration, social enterprises also help to build a resilient and pluralistic social market economy.
everyday life. In addition to being a practice in “mindfulness”, crafting is increasingly sought after for its mental and even physical health properties. Accordingly, the skills taught and practised at Penduka aim to purposefully serve both as diversional therapy while at the same time developing creative skills towards empowering women. Penduka is therefore not only geared towards remedying social injustices, but also actively working towards a fortified state of mind, able to deal with the typical mental and emotional burdens brought on by enduring hardship. OUR PRODUCTS In addition to creating and selling marvellous products, Penduka is also about telling the stories behind the items we produce, and the people who make them. We take immense pride and care in crafting each piece for our customers, understanding the value and significance that they hold. Our product line comprises a unique line of handmade homeware and embroidered products created with passion and dedication. We put meticulous effort into our work and firmly believe that our quality speaks for itself.
PENDUKA Following on the theme of social enterprises locally, Penduka, situated on the banks of the Goreangab Dam, is an ongoing success story, crafted by female hands. As one of the first social enterprises in Namibia focusing exclusively on serving and empowering women suffering the effects of unemployment and poverty, this proudly Namibian organisation was founded in 1992. Penduka employs social enterprise as a model with the sole aim of developing creative potential amongst women. The name “Penduka” was appropriately chosen, as it originates from the Otjiherero and Oshiwambo languages and translates into “Wake up”. Penduka strives to encourage and propel women to take initiative to help themselves, increase their self-worth and confidence and in turn help break the cycle of unemployment. Through following a holistic approach and establishing a positive and nurturing environment where women can develop and hone their unique inherent craft skills to create extraordinary handmade creations, these women have a real chance of joining the local economy and be able to provide for themselves and their dependents, whilst uplifting the broader community. Currently, local impoverished women who, for the lack of capital, proximity or background – such as living in the rural areas without electricity and basic tools and who would not otherwise be able to enter the job market – are patiently taught hand-intensive techniques using very basic tools that enable them to generate income and establish self-worth. Stubbornly committed to creating a long-standing impact in communities, Penduka endeavours to create a sustainable income and inclusive growth for each and every artisan with whom they collaborate. WHY DO WE TEACH AND PRACTISE CRAFTS? Despite competing interests, artisan craft remains the second-largest employer in developing countries and is one of the main sources of income for both men and women who seek a sustainable livelihood. Apart from its income-generating and creative aspects, practising crafts has proved to be an effective antidote to the stresses and pressures of
32
www.namibiatradedirectory.com
Fundamentally we uphold Fair Trade principles and our artisans reuse, reclaim and recycle materials wherever possible. In a world proliferated by industrialised products, we offer a different aesthetic option that is unique – no two pieces are exactly alike – and each article is lovingly created by human hands. We serve those who seek meaning in what they buy. ETHICAL PRACTISES At Penduka we firmly believe that sustainable economies are developed from businesses which operate fairly and ethically and endeavour to maximise social impact alongside economic returns for beneficiaries. As a result, women who have accrued the necessary entrepreneurial skills are encouraged and continuously supported to start up their own enterprise. Looking forward, Penduka ventures to expand our operations by increasing the number of women benefitting from the initiative while at the same time serving as a community centre and networking hub doling out advice on health, nutrition, family matters, recycling, alternative energy, and more. As a social enterprise, Penduka continues to nurture existing and develop special new relationships with local women in marginalised communities throughout Namibia. Through empowering women, we inspire and enable them to cultivate lasting, positive transformation not only for themselves but also their families and the broader community in which they function. However, and in as much as we celebrate social enterprises, we must also take a sober look at the challenges that are holding them back. The potential of social enterprises to contribute to economic growth depends to a large extent on a broader system of different layers in the society to influence and increase impact as a change agent. Their contribution can be enormously increased by policies in favour of their growth and the efficiency of the sector in general. The focus of these policies should be on providing the right environment in which social enterprises can thrive, as well as activities to promote social entrepreneurship and improve the legal and regulatory framework, financing, access to markets, services for business development and support structures, training and research. Against this background, much can still be done to support social businesses in Namibia and to create an enabling ecosystem for them.