Philadelphia, PA, October 14--Craftsmen have been weaving carpets in Nepal for thousands of years. Humanitarian Stephanie Odegard is harnessing this traditional art with the aim of reforming the third world, according to the Daily Pennsylvanian.
"I have learned a lot of lessons," Odegard said at the second installment of the International House's World Economic Lecture Series on Tuesday night. "You respect traditions, even if you question them. I was accepted because I didn't try to change them."
With this message of respect and appreciation at the heart of her speech, Odegard shared with the audience her new model for economic development -- a combination of art, business and social activism.
Odegard, founder of Odegard Inc., a carpet company, has succeeded in building the economy of third-world countries such as Jamaica, and especially Nepal, by recognizing their traditional capabilities for craftsmanship and creating a market for those pieces in the United States. Her main efforts have been focused in Nepal, where her factories employ over 10,000 formerly impoverished individuals.
"It's really been a partnership," Odegard said. "Most of my suppliers have been in the area for years. ... We try to upgrade the standard of living."
The products, unique Oriental carpets, are designed by Odegard's company in the United States and handcrafted in factories in Nepal. Odegard's activism is furthered in her efforts to combat child labor in both Nepal and other underdeveloped areas such as Pakistan.
In conjunction with Rugmark -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending illegal child labor -- Odegard has arranged for a percentage of the price of each purchase to fund education for children. She also assures that no children will be employed in her factories, through a specific monitoring program also funded by this contribution.
International House chief executive officer Oliver Franklin connected Odegard's mission with that of his organization. Franklin noted that her ideas on "respecting people's traditions and promoting understanding by listening to one another" mirrors the International House's goals of cultural and global appreciation.
Audience members also found Odegard's message inspiring.
"I was definitely excited about how solid and thorough her ideas for environmental and social consciousness were," local resident Kate Lowe said. "That was inspiring."
The International House owns one of Odegard's handcrafted carpets, entitled "All Over People." This piece, located in the first-floor gallery, symbolizes all children and cultures of the world.
The carpets are purchased by some of the most renowned institutions in America, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
