WINDHOEK, July 15 — A program that focuses on empowering women through business and artisan entrepreneurship in Namibia, Penduka Trust, on Thursday celebrated 30 years since it began catering to women’s needs.
It remains one of the first organizations in Namibia that focuses exclusively on empowering women suffering from the effects of unemployment and poverty through the development of creative potential among women.
Namibia’s Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Verna Sinimbo, highlighted that the core of Penduka’s drive is to eradicate poverty and social challenges among vulnerable women in Namibia.
To date, both private and public organizations support the Penduka Trust by hosting workshops, conferences, and team-building exercises, to name a few.
Some of its projects include an “adult diaper project,” and the trust already has the infrastructure and machinery to undertake such projects.
Sinimbo stressed that sustainable economies develop from businesses that operate fairly and ethically and strive to maximize 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 enterprise,” she added.
The Penduka Trust has assisted its surrounding communities with skills training in the handcraft industry as well as providing entrepreneurial skills.
Its partners include the Penduka Foundation in the Netherlands, which is the sole distributor of Penduka products in Europe, and a provider of financial contributions, strategic direction, and advice. (Xinhua)
