Trade As One

Lucinda Kemp-Erisman stumbled across our website and offered to contribute her considerable writing talents to what we do. She both passionate and experienced in the world of fair trade, having launched her own fair trade fabrics business a while back. She offers a unique perspective on the unique role the Mother plays in fair trade, and on the connections between mothers here in America and mothers in the developing world making the products we use. If you’re interested in guest posting on our blog, email us at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The woman wakes early, worrying about the day ahead, worrying about her family, her children. The extra sleep would have been a welcome respite from from the busy pace of her day - fixing the morning meal, caring for the children, working all day, then more cooking and cleaning, the seemingly endless cycle of chores. 
 
This woman could be anywhere in the world. Me, here in America, or a mother from Togo, West Africa or a mother from a small village in Guatemala or Cambodia. Because as mothers, we are all connected by a common bond - a bond of placing our children first. A bond of sacrifice for our children, as we make sure they are fed and clothed and have the best we can offer. Because women around the world spend twice as much time as men on unpaid activities. That’s something we mothers all have in common – not enough time!

Seventy percent of the world’s 1.3 billion people living on less than $1 a day are women or girls. Because women make up just a bit over half of the world’s population, this figure demonstrates
serious inequalities in the global economy. Women work longer hours for less pay and in worse jobs than men in every country in the world, according to the International Labor Organization
(ILO). Even when they are doing the same work, women make, on average, only two-thirds what a man would make. The inequalities are greater in the developing countries, where the legal system is not as strong as the west.
 
Fair Trade works to break this cycle of inequality by providing fair and equitable wages for women while providing a safe and healthy work environment.  “Sixty to 70 percent of the artisans providing fair-trade hand-crafted products are women. Often these women are mothers and the sole wage earners in the home,” according to the Fair Trade Federation.  Research by the ILO has shown women invest their wages directly back into the family; providing food, medical care and education for their children. This investment provides long term value and increased economic success for the entire community. 
 
Fair Trade cooperatives also provide childcare so women can work knowing their children are safe and provide programs to educate women in literacy, business and finance to fully support their careers.
 
The first time I heard about Fair Trade was an ‘AHA!’ moment for me. It made so much sense and for the first time, I knew I could spend my money on a product and feel good about it. No more guilt over sweat shops or child labor. No more worries over sustainable environmental practices. I try to be an educated consumer, and I know the money I spend on the products I use effects the world I live in. 
 
I want to spend my money in a meaningful way. By choosing Fair Trade products I am connecting in a powerful way to other women, women like me, supporting them in their quest for a better life. Most importantly, I do all this in a dignified way that provides value for both parties.  Because Fair Trade is equitable - it pays fair market for work well done. Fair Trade is respectful of women and the work they do, respectful of their role as mothers and how important that is to their communities, respectful of their culture and their knowledge. 
 
So next time you’re shopping, choose fair trade and do it for the mothers.  (And if you don’t see fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate at your grocery store, ask the store manager to stock fair trade products. The more people ask, the more products will appear on store shelves.)