Pangea Artisan Market & Café Opens at IFC

The economic empowerment of women is the theme of the Pangea Artisan Market & Café, which opened its doors at the IFC building in Washington, D.C., on May 22. The store is operated under the auspices of IFC, in collaboration with World Craft and Café, Inc., a private retail operator owned and managed by entrepreneurs, Sunil and Deepak Shrestha. 

Pangea, which means “all lands” in Greek, is a celebration and tribute to the spirit and resilience of women in developing countries. These women use traditional handicraft techniques to produce accessories and home décor products. Many of them come from societies devastated by poverty and disease, with little access to basic health services and few opportunities to use their skills to generate income for their families. Pangea’s opening week theme raises awareness of the plight of women in developing countries and gives each patron an opportunity to make an individual impact with every purchase. 

The store has an educational component that allows visitors to scan each item into interactive kiosks and learn the stories of the artisans.

World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz and representatives from three organizations whose products are featured at the store—Hagar, SEWA and Gone Rural—cut the ribbon at the ceremonial opening. 

"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 as they become sustainable businesses," said Mr. Wolfowitz. 

Pierre Tami, founder and executive director of Hagar, noted that 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.

This all-encompassing vision is the impetus for this artisan market and café, which has been described by IFC’s Grassroots Business Initiative director Harold Rosen as “the first of its kind in this type of neighborhood,” showcasing high-quality merchandise and contributing to the well being of artisans in developing countries. 

WHAT'S AVAILABLE AT PANGEA?

What would a market and café be without bagels, pastries, sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies?  These are only some of the treats available to tantalize the palates of those browsing through the store.  But Pangea is not all about handicrafts and smoothies. Patrons can drop in, grab a coffee, and enjoy scheduled cultural events and lectures centered on economic development and trade issues during their lunch hour or after work.

More on  Pangea's Business Ethics