World Fair Trade Day 11th May 2013
World Fair Trade Day is on 11th May 2013 – a celebration of all that has been achieved to get a fair wage for workers in developing countries.
On the 11th May 2013 a final petition will be delivered to David Cameron. The contents of this are extraordinary when you consider that many of the signatures are not directly affected by this in negatively other than their conscience. These signatures are calling for David Cameron to rectify a terrible injustice that is afflicted upon small farmers, who contribute 70% of the worlds food, yet they only receive 3% of the retail price!
These farmers need protecting and justice to be delivered so that they (as the suppliers) get a fair price from the retailers.
All this is a great cause, however it also concludes on World Fair Trade Day! So what is it all about and why bother with Fair Trade?
What is Fair Trade?
Fair trade is a way in which, as a consumer, you can support tackling trade processes which are either considered unfair or exploitary.
Children are especially vulnerable to being exploited in poor countries, “Working conditions are appalling but the children need to work anyway in order for their families to avoid going into poverty.” (1) Children between the ages of 10 and 14 make up 14.4% of child labourers in India.(2)
Remarkably this isn’t just found in the third world countries. Not only are children found in terrible conditions but also in dangerous ones too.
This was found in a plant in Iowa where workers as young as 13 stated that“.. they worked shifts of 12 hours or more, wielding razor-edged knives and saws to slice freshly killed beef. Some worked through the night, sometimes six nights a week. (3)
It’s not uncommon to find workers in conditions that are unsafe expected to work long hours without facilities and few rights.
When you take your money away from these companies you are showing a clear messge to them – that this way of making a profit is unacceptable and you won’t be part of it. Therefore, when you buy fair trade…
- You are supporting companies who support human rights.
- You are eliminating forced labour or child labour.
- As a result of children no longer going to work then Social Development can be supported such as Schools and Health Centres for the Community.
- Most importantly through all the previous points mentioned, the lives of the poorest are greatly improved.
- This in turn leads to natural and organic production which also reduces the carbon footprint upon the environment!
Fair Trade and Kigali Crafts
Kigali Crafts is an import member of the British Association of Fair Trade Shops. We are completely commited to supporting Genocide survivors from Rwanda and their continued effort and determination to combat poverty which ravaged their country.
This is a constant struggle, due to the high costs of living in Rwanda and the need to fly goods out of the country rather than ship it. However, through our sponsors such as Burns & Associates, and our co-operation with other Charity Organisations, these women can receive a living wage and hope for their future.
What makes us who we are though is our relationship with the families. We encourage Living – Not Giving. This is all many people ask, the opportunity to obtain a decent wage providing either a service/product without being in danger or exploited!
Fair Trade is a way to ensure that this is a reality within companies who are part of other Fair Trade Organisations other than Fair Trade.
We ensure that this is achievable, we are completely transparent with how we operate and what we have achieved throughout 3 years that we have been trading.
We are very proud of what we stand for. However this couldn’t be possible without conscientious consumers who also want to make a difference.
What is Fair Trade?
This Logo shown here is a mark given by the FairTrade Foundation who have been verified to adhere to the strict fairtrade standards.
It is a mark applied to ensure that the consumer knows that when they purchase this product that they are ensuring that disadvantaged workers are getting a better deal through better trade conditions.
Be aware though that although Fair Trade is a Foundation thats aims are to alleviate poverty and encourage sustainability, there are other Fair Trade Organisations that also help.
At present there are 400 organisations from 70 different countries, which is why a day has been allocated to celebrate this great supportive ideal which became reality.
How can I get involved in World Fair Trade Day?
We have 10% off all items on the 11th May that goes towards helping these women with a sustainable wage. You can purchase our crafts to help women in Rwanda, or apply for one of our volunteers positions available.
There is also a world fair trade community meal being held in York. Book to avoid disappointment. Contact us for more information.
References
(1)- http://laborawareness.wordpress.com/child-labor-today/
(2)- http://laborawareness.wordpress.com/child-labor-today/
(3)- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/us/27immig.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Kigali Crafts 