For us, the “fair” in fair trade does not just mean appropriate pay, and production and sales of products. Our “fair” points to our local partner NGOs (organizations that produce the handicrafts) doing programs to improve living conditions of the producers. It also points to what we do in Japan to raise awareness about fair trade.
Our three important guiding principles
1. Working to improve the lives of the producers
Through continued work and appropriate wages, producers can regularly receive income. We feel it is important to not just receive wages (income), it is also important for women to connect to society through work, and regain their confidence and respect.
2. Working with our partner organizations
Our local partner organizations, which share our purpose, have various projects for improved living conditions of the producers, such as supplementing medical and education fees, and giving small-scale loans. We provide information from Japan’s market and customers’ comments, so that they will help in product development and quality control.
Working to create a society where we can “coexist”
We hope to realize a society where Japan, Bangladesh, and Nepal can learn from each other, and learn to coexist. We hope to help make this happen by informing the Japanese people about tradition and culture of Bangladesh and Nepal, and how they live.