tangled threads: June 2010

Monday 28 June 2010

To Bangladesh?

My tickets to Dhaka are not yet confirmed, but in Bangladesh it is raining with temperatures steady in the 30s, so at least my hair is remaining partially dignified in London’s 40% humidity…

If I do get to Dhaka, as I am supposed this coming Monday, I will be travelling with Safia Minney (CEO of People Tree) and Antony Waller (PR of People Tree) to Thanapara Swallows. I have heard from many a source that it is an idyllic village, replete with grinning children and happy goats. Situated in North West Bangladesh, Thanapara Swallows is one of People Tree’s main hand-weaving and hand-embroidery producers which provides work for over 200 women.

Fair Trade

Every year in the UK £23 billion of clothing is bought, 90% of this is imported. (Defra 2009) Most of this imported clothing comes from developing nations where it is more than likely that the garment workers that made these clothes are not paid a living wage, experience poor working conditions and are forced to work excessive overtime.

Consumers have begun to recognise Fair Trade as way to support workers and producers in developing nations. However, there is debate as to how effectively Fair Trade improves the livelihoods of Fair Trade workers. I want to explore how much of an impact Fair Trade has on producers and their communities.

I want to gain an understanding of the meaning of Fair Trade from the perspectives of different groups - the consumer, standards authorities, Fair Trade brands and the producer groups.