Urgent Action Fund Africa – Pendeza Community

A Tale of Transformation

Empowering rural Women Through Sustainable Textile Production and Digital Innovation

In the heart of Siaya County, Kenya, amidst the serene landscapes of rural West Sakwa Ward, lies a beacon of hope and empowerment: Pendeza Weaving Project. Born from humble beginnings in 1980 as a family cottage for hand spinning and weaving, Pendeza underwent a remarkable evolution, culminating in its transformation into a Community-Based Organization (CBO) in 2006.

For decades, Pendeza has been more than a weaving project—it’s been a lifeline for the women of Siaya County. Through its unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and community development, Pendeza has become synonymous with resilience, creativity, and social change.

The Journey of Empowerment: At the heart of Pendeza’s mission is the belief in the power of traditional hand weaving and spinning to uplift and transform lives. With a keen focus on imparting skills in textile production, e-commerce, and financial literacy, Pendeza has been instrumental in equipping women with the tools they need to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.

A Partnership That Ignited Change: In 2023, Pendeza embarked on a transformative journey, thanks to the support of a steadfast ally: Urgent Action Fund Africa. With their generous funding, Pendeza was able to breathe new life into its mission, addressing critical challenges hindering its path to progress.

Repairing and Revitalizing: Outdated equipment and worn-out machinery threatened to dim the light of hope for Pendeza’s artisans. But with Urgent Action Fund Africa’s support, Pendeza initiated repair and replacement efforts, ensuring that the tools of empowerment remained sharp and ready for action.

Sunday, a local carpenter from Kisumu, meticulously restores a loom, breathing new life into Pendeza's weaving heritage. With each repair, we weave stories of resilience and empowerment, crafting a brighter future for women in Siaya County.

A moment of empowerment as women in Bondo dive into artisan training, funded by Urgent Action Fund Africa. With each skill learned, they stitch together a brighter future, embodying resilience and determination.

Empowered Bondo women proudly display their handcrafted products, created during a transformative training program funded by Urgent Action Fund.

Skills for Success: But Pendeza’s vision extended beyond mere repairs—it aimed to equip its artisans with the skills needed to thrive in a digital age. Through artisan training and capacity-building programs, Pendeza empowered women with knowledge in cotton processing, value addition, and the intricacies of e-commerce and digital payment systems.

Opening Doors to Opportunity: Market access had long been a challenge for Pendeza’s artisans, but with the support of Urgent Action Fund Africa, new pathways to prosperity emerged. By enhancing market access and embracing digital payment solutions, Pendeza’s artisans found themselves on a journey of economic independence and self-reliance.

A Ripple of Change: As Pendeza’s impact rippled through the community, perceptions shifted, and barriers crumbled. What was once seen as “primitive” hand weaving became a symbol of empowerment and pride. With each stitch and spin, Pendeza’s artisans wove a tapestry of change, transforming lives and reshaping futures.

Gratitude and Acknowledgment: To Urgent Action Fund Africa, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your unwavering support has been the wind beneath our wings, propelling us forward on our journey of empowerment. Together, we have ignited a spark of hope that continues to illuminate the path to a brighter, more equitable future for the women of Siaya County.

Join Us in Celebration: As we celebrate the transformative impact of our partnership with Urgent Action Fund Africa, we invite you to join us in honoring the resilience, creativity, and strength of Pendeza’s artisans. Together, let us continue to weave a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and shine.

With heartfelt thanks, Pendeza Weaving Project

Meet Nyamalo, a true embodiment of empowerment! With support from Urgent Action Fund Africa, she not only mastered new skills but also became a mentor to her peers. Watch as she leads her team with confidence, inspiring others to reach new heights.