Penduka women
embroider their
stories.

They work from home. The 550 Penduka members get the fabric they decorate with embroidery, delivered at home. The embroidery tells a story using typical imagery of the ethnic groups these women originate from. The women embroider their own life stories, centuries-old, orally transmitted stories, or any story that you would like to be told.

In Penduka's sewing studio semi-finished products are turned into finished products by the members of Emily's family. Emily is one of 110 Penduka women who has a permanent contract. In the sewing studio the fabrics are turned into storyboard pillowcases, duvet covers, place mats, tablecloths and bags. It is also the place where big pieces of batik cloth are turned into a finished product. In the batik department the fabrics are painted and decorated.

The glass unit consists of four deaf women.
They sort the glass and grind it into grit, melt it and cast it into glass beads. The glass beads can be bought individually. They are also used to make bracelets, necklaces and table cloth weights.

The glass that is used to make beads, is being collected from the local population. Empty bottles, glass pots, broken windows. Bush glass. Hotels in
the local area donate empty bottles, ensuring less glass is left alongside the road and in nature. In Namibia people don't collect glass and you don't pay a deposit on bottles.