Fair Trade Pakistan
Mrs Jameela displaying a hand embroidered kurta (long blouse)
FAIR TRADE PAKISTAN
I fulfilled a life time ambition to visit Pakistan December 2011 and February 2015 and met the only two fair trade certified organisations in Karachi and Rawalpindi.
I also conducted interviews with a government official and non profit organisations who are working towards implementing the ten principles of fair trade. Each organisation has a dual role and purpose;
1. to support rural artisans establish and develop strong sustainable projects and
2. revive traditional skills and techniques.
I completed producing and editing a series of 6 short films and a documentary to create awareness for fair trade in Pakistan.
I feel very honoured and humbled to be representing the most inspirational ladies and artisans around the world.
The Home Based Women's Workers Federation, (HBWWF) Karachi, Pakistan
(first visited December 2011/January 2012 revisited March 2015)
Ladies I interviewed during my visit to the HBWWF 2011
The Home Based Women's Workers Federation works with over 4600 members in Quetta (Balochistan) and Hyderabad and Karachi (Sindh).
It's main aim is to advocate and lobby for the rights of home based women workers in Pakistan.
The Federation provides training such as embroidery, leather production and jewellery and fashion design.
Ladies proficient in their chosen skills are selected to mentor and train ladies in their local areas and campaign for a decent living wage by negotiating fair prices through collective bargaining.
HBWWF hopes to develop international partners who can provide assistance with marketing, advertising and product development.
Dedicated campaigner and General Secretary Zehra Khan explained,
'We are working for the rights of home based workers in Pakistan and are lobbying with the government to accept them as workers.'
INTERVIEW FEBRUARY 2015
This interview was conducted before my rebranding hence the green butterfly and strapline.
I hope to amend this version as soon as I am able.
Interview recorded with Ms Zehra khan and Mrs Jameela February 2015
FAIRTRADE DOCUMENTARY RECORDED 2011
Fairtrade documentary featuring Zehra Khan and ladies at
4 minutes and 40 seconds
I have been poorly this year hence the delay in editing other interviews with several home based workers.
I hope to upload photographs and videos of both visits soon.
Thank you for your patience.
Sabeena
Further Reading and Links
The Home Based Women's Workers Federation, Karachi
This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary.
This month my right shoulder is still very painful and I have struggled to record this vlog and type this blog.
I finally managed to record videos for my Six Items Challenge 2024 and upload them to my YouTube Channel.
Translation in Urdu
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I'm Sabeena Ahmed owner and creator of The Little Fair Trade Shop. I've been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011 and together with my artisans I bring you a bespoke collection of ethically sourced fashion & gifts.
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