JOY ANYA LIM
In the heart of Cebu City, Philippines, a beacon of hope and empowerment shines through the for-profit social enterprise known as ANTHILL Fabric Gallery. Founded in 2010 by Joy Anya T. Lim and her mother Annie Tan Lim, ANTHILL stands for Alternative Nest and Trading / Training Hub for Indigenous Little Livelihood Seekers. This enterprise was born out of a deep commitment to address the prevalent issues of poverty and unemployment faced by marginalized sectors, particularly among indigenous communities.
Anya Lim recognized the inherent value of the weaving and craft industry in providing sustainable livelihoods for indigenous people. However, the lack of market access, production capacity, and demand resulted in low profitability and forced urban migration. ANTHILL's mission became clear - to harness the untapped potential of these undervalued weaving and craft skills, not only to create sustainable livelihoods but also to preserve the rich traditions and craft processes of indigenous communities (Lim, 2015).
In 2014, ANTHILL introduced the Community Enterprise Development Program (CEDP) in collaboration with artisan partners from Abra, Bukidnon, and Cebu. The program's foundation lay in providing sustainable livelihoods and creating enabling environments where community enterprises could flourish independently. This was coupled with ANTHILL's pioneering movement of everyday weave-wearing, establishing market access for the products.
As CEDP evolved over the years, it adapted to the unique needs of each community enterprise, offering support in business systems development, supply chain management, upskilling, and market access. The beneficiaries of CEDP include WMSME owners, culture bearers or elders, community managers, and active members, all contributing to the overall growth and well-being of their communities.
The impact of CEDP reaches far and wide, benefiting not only the communities but also the nation as a whole. ANTHILL currently works with 20 textile weaving and craft communities, 5 of which are direct partners. Additionally, they collaborate with independent makers and artisans and have around 14 community-based production partners, collectively serving approximately 750 artisans across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Of these artisans, 95% are women and mothers, highlighting ANTHILL's dedication to empowering women in society.
The program's success stories are numerous and diverse, encompassing cultural, leadership, economic, social, and environmental aspects. The Master and Apprentice Program facilitates cultural continuity by involving the younger generation in the craft, ensuring its preservation. Leadership is strengthened through the appointment of community managers, fostering good governance and business succession.
Economically, CEDP has expanded market access by venturing into digital platforms, launching the first community-owned fabric store and crowdfunding campaign to serve artisans directly. Socially, women artisans have gained a stronger voice in decision-making processes, taking pride in their skills, becoming more confident, and expressing gratitude for the positive impact on their lives as mothers.
Environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect of ANTHILL's initiatives. Through innovative practices, they upcycle textile waste, prolonging the life cycle of products and reducing waste. ANTHILL's mission to serve even more weaving communities is fueled by the realization that there are 450 weaving communities in the Philippines, with 5,000 artisans below or at the poverty line, 90% of whom are women.
The impact of CEDP is meticulously measured through monitoring and evaluation systems and the use of trackers. The data collected reflects the significant progress made in augmenting the income of partner artisans by over 200% within three years, allowing them to access loans and savings for further ventures. Productivity has increased by over 300%, and ANTHILL's circularity initiatives have upcycled over 6,000 kg of textile waste, providing additional income opportunities for the artisans.
Under the visionary leadership of Joy Anya T. Lim, ANTHILL Fabric Gallery has become a driving force of positive change in the lives of indigenous communities. With a passion for preserving culture, empowering women, and fostering sustainability, Anya's work exemplifies the true spirit of social entrepreneurship. As ANTHILL continues to expand its reach and impact, it stands as a shining example of how business and social responsibility can come together to create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.