Penduka
Planeterra has partnered with Penduka, a women-owned-and-run business in the Katutura Township outside of Windhoek in Namibia. Penduka which means 'wake up', was established in 1992, cooperative employs at-risk women, many of whom are living with chronic illness or are differently-abled.
We will visit Penduka on Day Three of our sightseeing adventures in Windhoek as part of our tour, Namibia: Tribes and Natural Wonders. Penduka supports women with employment and training, enabling them to develop skills in textiles, beading, and pottery and also giving them the chance to work at their restaurant.
During our visit we will head to their workshop to view and purchase some of the artisan crafts created by these talented women. Our time here really makes a difference in the lives of the cooperative’s women and over 400 others, who do not work on the property but are contracted out from various villages in rural Namibia.
While gains have been made in Namibia towards gender equality and women’s empowerment, there is still work to be done for women in the country’s socio-economic sphere. The patriarchal nature of many local cultures and the impacts of the HIV/AIDS crisis create an uphill battle for women and their ability to source employment opportunities which take their needs into account are very much needed.
Today, by working with Planeterra, Penduka has access to over 1,500 travellers supporting income, employment and better equality.