Since 2008, we have been working directly with Fair Trade artisan organizations in India to help market their products and support community development in low income areas. We currently partner with 6 organizations, mostly located in the Northern region of India, composed of artisans who make a wide variety of textiles and handicrafts. Many products are made using natural fibers, dyes and or recycled materials. India has a long tradition of craftwork and many people around the country sustain their livelihood by conserving and practicing the craft of their family, such as weaving, batik, embroidery and block printing.
Each group we work with is unique in structure varying from charities, Self Help Groups (SHGs), cooperatives and for profit businesses. The artisans take an active role in helping to set prices and manage their work in a democratic work environment where they participate in savings programs and receive various health and insurance benefits. The artisans can work and earn as much as they want and usually earn more than double their peers. We seek out smaller groups who are in need of support and help them strengthen their work through product design and marketing or helping them get Fair Trade certified in India.
Learn more about all we do in our Giving Back section.
Click below to get a full background on our partners in India.
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Sadhna
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Maximizing Employment to Serve the Handicapped (MESH)
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Stree Shakti – The Purkal Youth Development Society
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Conserve
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Himalayan Weavers
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Vidya Udyog Kendra
