Washington, D.C., May 23, 2006—
The economic empowerment of women is the theme of the Pangea Artisan Market and Café, which opened in Washington, D.C., May 22. The new retail store and café, operating out of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) headquarters at Pennsylvania Avenue and 21st Street, will sell handicrafts made by skilled artisans from developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Many of these artisans are women who have been rescued from various forms of exploitation.
Throughout the week, the store will host brown bag lunches and panel discussions related to the theme, featuring the leaders of three remarkable social enterprises: Hagar in Cambodia, SEWA in India, and Gone Rural in Swaziland. Each organization has a compelling story to tell about its work with disadvantaged women, and its goal of ensuring a sustainable livelihood for these communities.
Pierre Tami, founder and executive director of Hagar, said the ability to earn a living “enhances the dignity” of women, especially those who have been rescued from trafficking. These women are now given a trade and self-respect. The Pangea store showcases the handicrafts that the women produce. "By providing the women with the ability to earn, we help to empower them," noted Mr. Tami.
“Pangea has given us an outlet for our products in the United States, so not only are we selling, but we are able to grow our business through this wonderful store,” said Zoe Dean-Smith, managing director of Gone Rural.
In addition to hosting special events and discussions, Pangea enhances the visitor’s experience with interactive kiosks that narrate the individual stories behind each product. “With Pangea, we want to involve the public and other partners in a discussion of how business can engage more proactively in the fight against poverty,” said Harold Rosen, director of IFC’s Grassroots Business Initiative.
Mr. Rosen’s group works with a commercial retail operator that manages Pangea’s merchandising and sales, while GBI designs and implements the educational and outreach programs of the store.
Among the opening event guests was World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz. "Pangea provides a window into the work that the World Bank Group does with local communities in developing countries, and in assisting socially-oriented enterprises to become sustainable businesses," Mr. Wolfowitz said. "We're excited to share these stories with the public, and to help the grassroots producers we work with to gain market access. We are also looking forward having Pangea as a venue for a continuing conversation about important issues in international development."
GBI works with enterprises with social missions from poor and disadvantaged communities all over the world. By providing business services, and financing and marketing solutions to these small businesses that otherwise would not have the capacity to develop and expand, their local economies are exposed to growth, sustainability, and competitiveness. This partnership ultimately results in the creation of more employment opportunities and increased incomes for these communities.
With its unique combination of handcrafted products and interactive learning opportunities, Pangea presents a unique shopping experience for customers. Featured products include crafts, home décor, jewelry, accessories, gourmet coffee and small food items.
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