Women and Fair Trade

Women in Asia, Africa, and Latin America play an important role in Fair Trade, and they are often those who benefit the most.

Fair Trade Changes Women's Lives

A brief overview of the significance of Fair Trade to women. Producer groups say that 80 to 100% of their artisans are women, that most of them have children, that their income is used primarily for their children's needs, that their participation in a fair trade cooperative has improved their lives and their status as family members and community members. Fair Trade is one of few activities that has successfully helped women and their children out of poverty. Written by Nicole McGrath, Founder, Peri Dar Inc., a Fair Trade company.

Lutheran World Relief: Women and Fair Trade

Six-page pamphlet on the significance of Fair Trade for women and LWR’s Fair Trade projects for women.

Fair Trade Products by Women's Cooperatives

Global Mamas is a nonprofit organization helping small women-led enterprises in Africa. By purchasing Global Mamas products, you are offering sustainable livelihoods to women and their families living in poverty. All proceeds go directly to the women and to nonprofit programs that assist them with business development. Join the community of Global Mamas who care about the world and the future.

Hope for Women

Handcrafted fair trade products made by economically disadvantaged women worldwide.

Nueva Vida Women's Sewing Cooperative: Fair Trade Zone

Wholly owned and operated by the members of the Nueva Vida Women's Sewing Cooperative (COMAMNUVI), the Fair Trade Zone worker-owners are the proud makers of sweat-free clothing. We offer high quality garments at competitive prices, giving you the ability to purchase sweat-free clothing while helping to improve the lives of our cooperative members. In Nicaragua there are many free trade zones where mainly women work in "sweat shops", producing clothing under unacceptable labor conditions, long hours and low pay. In a cooperative, the workers are the owners. We are working together to create sustainable employment in the community so that we can support ourselves and our families. Watch the video about the co-op Ants that Move Mountains.