Iraq Program

In 2013, PCat launched a three-year program in Baghdad, Iraq, where it has trained and employed over 75 women to produce candles.  Through a partnership with a for-profit candle company, PCat engaged a designer to develop a unique product offering for global markets, called the Akkadian Collection, which was introduced to US markets in late 2015 (see www.akkadiancollection.com), and has since sold over $100,000 worth of product.  In September 2016, PCat was awarded a new grant from a US Government Source to expand its operations in Iraq to serve Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Kurdistan, many of whom come from areas held by ISIS.  This program will involve the employment of women entrepreneurs in candle, jewelry and textile production.

Haiti Program

In 2013, PCat launched a women-led candle production and export company in Haiti called Fanm Limye (Women Illuminated).   Over the last two years, PCat worked with 30 artisan groups in Haiti, delivering business planning and management training.  PCat also assisted the artisans to launch two lines of candles.  Both lines have sold well in the international market. We are also developing a new line of handmade jewelry.  In addition, PCat is working along the value chain to improve the quality of raw materials, while improving the incomes of women in rural areas.  Our focus so far has been to work with beekeeping associations to improve the quantity and quality of their beeswax, but we are also exploring potential to develop fragrant essential oils.