Threads Fair Trade Partner - Rachel Vigil

e come from twelve countries: Bolivia, Cambodia, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Indonesia, Kenya, Vietnam and Ecuador—across four continents: Africa, Asia, and North & South America. The women who create these products come from many different cultures, and just as each one is unique in her own way, every piece in the product line is unique, as well. There is a story associated with every piece and artisan group. Since women are the primary caretakers in many cultures, they have never had the opportunity to earn money for their families; these women now have the chance to earn income while caring for their children in their homes. Some of our artisans are women who have been ostracized from their villages because they are HIV positive. They find themselves at a lake region in the mountains of Ethiopia hoping the water will cure them of their disease. Most turn to begging, but some find a group developed to make jewelry made from recycled metals; this opportunity provides these women with not only an income, but a purpose and community. Another group in northern India works with locally-sourced leather to handcraft jewelry. Previously, these women were repressed for their gender and state of poverty; this collective group provides the means for the women to care for and support their families. Some groups across Asia provide alternative income options to women rescued from being s*xually exploited. Without this source of income, these women would most likely return to the s*x trade industry to support their families. Locally-sourced beads and designs influenced by the West have given these women a healthy alternative. The group in Peru was started by three sisters who did not initially have the support of their husbands. Only after their business generated enough money to buy chickens which now support their husbands’ businesses did the men show encouragement. Other groups in India provide women from lower social castes the opportunity of economic advancement and social mobility — two phenomena that are rare in India. Women move from a life destined to selling fish on the side of a busy road to designing and making fashionable jewelry. They find themselves to be valuable contributions to a co-op and their community. We hope this provides you with an idea of the impact your purchase has made on these communities around the world. Thank you for empowering women, advancing communities and living an inspired life!

*http://yaledailynews.com/blog/2003/02/14/womens-rights-vital-for-developing-world/

Fair Trade:

Fair trade promotes fair wages, healthy working conditions, and a sustainable environment for employees and the planet. By purchasing fair trade products, you are participating in a social movement. A fair wage is a livable income in the local context that does not skew the local economy, but accounts for time, skills, cost of living, and purchasing power.* In a world where over one billion people — that’s 1 in 7 people! — live on less than $1 each day, it becomes clear what a difference fair wages can make for people, families and communities. The process of becoming certified fair trade is difficult and rigorous. Producer groups must prove that each step in their supply chain follows particular guidelines. To become a member of the Fair Trade Federation (www.fairtradefederation.org), companies must follow 9 Principles:

1. Create opportunities for marginalized producers
2. Be transparent and accountable
3. Build capacity and independence for partners
4. Promote fair-trade and the benefits on the global economy
5. Pay partners promptly and fairly
6. Support safe and empowering working conditions
7. Ensure that children are protected and have the right to security, education and play
8. Encourage environmentally sustainable practices
9. Respect cultural identity by balancing market needs with cultural heritage **

People often ask what percentage of a sale goes back to the Artisans. Fair trade is unique in that the artisans are paid up-front for the work they do regardless of the sale.

*http://www.fairtradefederation.org/ht/d/sp/i/198/pid/198
**http://www.fairtradeprinciples.org/