“We love to listen to our customers and for this reason we would be delighted to hear from you if you would like a bespoke fair trade product made especially for you.”

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop in The United Arab Emirates

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop in The United Arab Emirates

Sabeena Ahmed - The Little Fair Trade Shop
and the United Arab Emirates

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2018

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market,

Abu Dhabi - December 2018

 

World Fair Trade Day 2016, Oman with Sabeena Ahmed WFTO Individual Associate Member and owner of The Little Fair Trade Shop Dubai, UAE

Sabeena Ahmed

Hello! 

My name is Sabeena Ahmed.

I'm a fairtrade campaigner, educator and social entrepreneur.

I was born and educated in Manchester, UK.

I'm a World Fair Trade Organization Ambassador, an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization, a Badiri Academy and School for Social Entrepreneurs London fellow, World Pulse Ambassador and a qualified PGCE ESOL Practitioner.

I adore fairtrade chocolate and support breast cancer research.

I promote the sustainable development goals, a fair trade ethical lifestyle and am an advocate of the circular economy.

Below is a summary of my most successful fairtrade activities and campaigns in the United Arab Emirates since 2008.

 

She Trades Mena Hub Launch

Guest Panel Speaker

SHETRADES MENA LAUNCH DUBAI - Sabeena Ahmed of The Little Fair Trade Shop displaying the Fair Trade Mark

 Here I am talking about Fair Trade 

By sheer chance after a coffee with Ms Arwa Hassan Al Qassim of Dubai Culture I was politely asked if I would like to be a guest panel speaker at the SheTrades MENA Launch. I said YES!

Many thanks to Dr Ashraf Mahate Chief Economist at the Government of Dubai and Dubai Exports and Ms Al Qassim Dubai Culture for providing me with a platform to talk about my passion FAIR TRADE.

Watch the video of the official launch here

 All copyright and ownership of this video is owned by Dubai Exports and the Dubai Government

To read more about SheTrades and The Mena Hub Launch click here.

 

 

About The Little Fair Trade Shop

The Little Fair Trade Shop - Fair Trade Ethical Living Brand Logo

 

The Little Fair Trade Shop which was established during Ramadan 2008.

I knew that this was my calling and vocation.

The Little Fair Trade Shop mission and core values:

 

Purpose

Our mission is to promote self-reliance, empower artisans and their local communities and give them the dignity and respect they so rightly deserve.

We support Fair Trade producers through the sale of our Fair Trade products.

We stand for social trade and justice. In the UAE we are pioneers and aim to ignite the same passion in others.

 

Value

Our supply chain is transparent. It starts with the producer and ends with us. Every step of the way a good thing is being done.


We chose Fair Trade because we want our customers to feel happy knowing they have purchased a beautiful product which has been produced by an extraordinarily talented person and in turn supported a sustainable business, a community and the environment.

 

Story

For over 11 years I have been retailing gorgeous fair trade gifts in my home city of Dubai UAE and I am so excited to be able to bring those products to you through the power of the worldwide web. 

The Little Fair Trade Shop E-Commerce store relaunched Spring 2016.

The silk and jute fair trade butterfly bag

My husband Faisal and I had the good fortune to visit Fair Trade Egypt Cairo 2009 and it was there that I purchased my first Fair Trade product – a gorgeous butterfly pattern silk and jute bag.

Faisal and I were completely overwhelmed when we were told about the Tora Women’s Group who live in the garbage collectors area of Cairo and produce the bags as a means of empowerment and sustainable income.

Inspired by this simple act of humanity we decided to purchase their bags for The Little Fair Trade Shop inventory and dedicate our efforts to trade justice.

To read more about The Little Fair Trade Shop click here

 

 

Trading and Exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates

The Little Fair Trade Shop began its maiden retail voyage at the Dubai Flea Market, September 2008.

 

 Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop celebrate World Fair Trade Day 2nd May 2009, Dubai, UAE

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop celebrate

World Fair Trade Day 2nd May 2009, Dubai, UAE

 

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop celebrate World Fair Trade Day 2nd May 2009, Dubai, UAE

Beautiful fair trade products 

 

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop celebrate World Fair Trade Day 2nd May 2009, Dubai, UAE

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop celebrate

World Fair Trade Day 2nd May 2009, Dubai, UAE

 

Customers were overjoyed to see authentic range of hand embroidered wall hangings and wooden handicrafts lovingly made by artisans at Fair Trade Egypt.

The Little Fair Trade Shop first started trading at the Convent Garden Market, Jumeira Beach Residences and completed two seasons 2009-2011.

 

The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Convent Garden Market Dubai - Season two December 2010

The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Convent Garden Market Dubai, December 2010

 

Dr Samier modelling a St Marys embroidered wall hanging at The Little Fair Trade Shop, Convent Garden Market Dubai December 2010

Dr Samier admiring a St Marys embroidered wall hanging, December 2010 

 

The Little Fair Trade Shop aspires to work and engage with consumers of all ages and backgrounds, expatriates, educators, parents and young Emirati's to create awareness for the fairtrade movement of the United Arab Emirates. 

It is our aim is to organise social events and educate the youth about fairtrade, sustainability and ethical consumerism.

It also traded at the Ripe Organic and Craft market until from October 2011 to January 2013 and consciously traded at specialist events such as the Festival at Masdar, the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market, WOMAD Abu Dhabi, DUCTAC and the Arabian Travel Market.

 

The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Masdar Institute, near Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - January 2016

The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Masdar Institute, near Abu Dhabi,

United Arab Emirates - January 2016

There is an absence of market activity and presence during 2013-2016 when Sabeena's mother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and she returned to the Almighty April 2016.

 

Swiss Business Council Christmas Market,

Abu Dhabi, 2018

From the 5-8 December I was privileged and honoured to participate at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market, 2018, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. for the third time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Claudine Maagar and Sabeena Ahmed at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market 2018

Ms Claudine Maagar and Sabeena Ahmed at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market 2018

Swiss Business Council Xmas Market Chalets, Abu Dhabhi 2018

Christmas Chalets

 

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop at the Swiss Business Council Christmas Market Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2018

Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

 

To read more about The Little Fair Trade Shop in Abu Dhabi kindly click here.

 

 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 & 2019, Dubai, UAE

What is Fairtrade Fortnight?

For two weeks each year, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to celebrate the people who grow our food, people who live in some of the poorest countries in the world and who are often exploited and badly paid. 

As the only fairtrade campaigner in the United Arab Emirates since 2008 I have been supporting fairtrade fortnight and hope my blogs will inspire others to get involved and support fairtrade.

This year the Fairtrade Foundation are focusing on the people – in particular the women – who grow the cocoa in the chocolate we love so much. 

Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai 2019 - She deserves a living income

This years Fairtrade Fortnight Campaign is She Deserves. 

She Deserves - Don't Feed Exploitation Choose Fairtrade

£1.86* is the amount a cocoa farmer in West Africa needs to earn each day in order to achieve a living income. 
Currently, a typical cocoa farmer in Cote d’Ivoire lives on around 74p** a day. Almost all cocoa farmers in West Africa live in poverty.

For the women the situation is even worse. They may plant and harvest on the farm, look after children, carry water, collect wood, cook and clean for the family, and transport the cocoa beans to market but often with fewer rights than men. 

I'm campaigning with millions of others for a living income to become a reality for cocoa farmers in West Africa. 

Change can happen if we tell governments, chocolate companies and retailers to make the commitments and policies necessary, then we can make it happen.

 

 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 Resources Credit: Fairtrade Foundation UK

 

Dates: Monday 24 February - Sunday 8 March 2020 

 

Happy and proud to support female cocoa farmers like Rosine Bekoin of the CAYAT Co-operative, Côte d'Ivoire.

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE - Fairtrade Resource of Rosine Bekoin She Deserves
Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE - Fairtrade Resource of Rosine Bekoin

  

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE - Fairtrade Resource of Fairtrade bag, She Deserves Campaign

 Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE -

Fairtrade Foundation UK Resource Fairtrade bag

 

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE - Fairtrade Resource Large Chocolate Bar, She Deserves Campaign

 Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE -

Fairtrade Resource Large Chocolate Bar

 

Thank you Brenda, Tvisha, Ashwarya, Padmini, Edwige, Deborah and Julia.

 The gorgeous ladies celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai  2019 with Sabeena Ahmed 

 The gorgeous ladies celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai  2019  

To read my blog about Fairtrade Fortnight 2019, Dubai, UAE kindly click on the link here.

 

Edwige celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai 2019 with Sabeena Ahmed

Edwige celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2019, Dubai, UAE

 

 Two young fairtrade supporters celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight 2019 Dubai, UAE at the Emirates Literature Foundation Shindaga Dubai

 SHOW OFF YOUR FAIRTRADE LABEL AND SUPPORT FAIRTRADE

 

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2019 in Dubai and the United ARab Emirates

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2019, Dubai, UAE

 

The Story Of Chocolate: Unwrapping The Bar

 

Meet Rosine Bekoin, a Fairtrade Cocoa Farmer in the Ivory Coast

Rosine Bekoin is a mum of five, cocoa farmer and member of CAYAT co-operative in Côte d’Ivoire.

Rosine is slightly unusual as cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire go because she owns and runs her 2.5-hectare farm, which was passed to her from her mother.

Normally it is men who own farms and earn the income from them. Rosine first sold her cocoa as Fairtrade in 2016. 

You can watch Rosine's interview below.

 

 

Meet Ebrottié Tanoh Florentin, a Fairtrade Cocoa Farmer in the Ivory Coast

Ebrottié is married with 6 children, and has been farming cocoa since 1992. He is also the General Secretary of his cooperative, CEAA.

 

Fairtrade: How Sweet Is Your Cake Really

 Credit and Source: The Fairtrade Foundation UK

To read more about Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE click here

 

World Fair Trade Organization's Campaigns

International Women's Day 2020 & 2019

I have been an individual associate member of the World Fair Trade Organization since 2011.

The World Fair Trade Organization's Communications team asked me to share the names of inspirational women in my life for International Women's Day Video Challenge 2020.

The 2020 campaign hashtag was #SheEmpowersHer.

I have attached my video challenge below for you to watch at your leisure.

 

WFTO's IWD20 Video Chain Challenge 

 

I chose to mention 4 ladies and invited them to continue the video challenge.

Ms Christina Longden - The Lorna Young Foundation
Ms Samini Bibi - Sabah Pakistan
Ms Roopa Mehta (Apa) - WFTO President 
Ms Moon Sharma (Apa) - Tara Projects, India

To read more about my video chain challenge kindly click here.

 

World Fair Trade Day 2019

Dubai, UAE

Fairtrade Innovates - Facebook Banner World Fair Trade Day 2019
Fairtrade Innovates - Facebook Banner World Fair Trade Day 2019
 
The 2019 World Fair Trade Organization campaign was 'Fairtrade Innovates.'
It was a dream come true to finally travel to the country of my parents birth, India.

I arrived in Dehli and was greeted by a beautiful warm evening.

What followed was one of the most memorable weeks of my life.

Despite recovering from two shoulder surgeries and enduring a terrible bout of Dehli belly I proceeded with my magical tour.

I was humbled and privileged to visit two World Fair Trade Certified Organization's, M.E.S.H and Tara Projects.

Many thanks to Mathew K and Ms Moon Sharma for their time, care and hospitality.

Sadly, I was unable to interview Mathew, Ms Jacky Bonnie or the producer groups on this occasion and hope to interview them the next time I visit.

I have attached videos and photographs of my visit below.

 

Interview with Moon Sharma - Introduction
 
World Fair Trade Day 2019 Message - Moon Sharma, Tara Projects

 

 

Fairtrade and

The Sustainable Development Goals

Fairtrade supports the Sustainable Development Goals and I have attempted to implement them in my everyday work and life.

 

Here are the 9 Sustainable Development Goals that are supported by Fairtrade
 Fairtrade and the Sustainable Development Goals - SDG1, SDG2, SDG5, SDG8, SDG10, SDG12, SDG13, SDG16 and SDG17 with Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair TRade Shop
Fairtrade supports the Sustainable Development Goals and I have attempted to implement them in my everyday work and life.

 

I have concentrated on SDG's, SDG1, SDG2, SDG5, SDG8, SDG10, SDG12, SDG13, SDG16 and SDG17.

 

 

Be The Change Awards Video For Ethical Hour

I submitted my video for Be the Change Awards 2019 and Ethical Hour.

 

Sadly, the Peoples' Choice Award was suspended.

Many thanks to Sian Conway and Jo Salter for their dedication and tireless work to make the Be The Change Awards successful.

To read more about Fairtrade and the SDG's kindly click the link here.

 

 

Fairtrade Educational and Interfaith Network - UAE

Many will consider it ambitious but I hope to establish a fairtrade  educational and interfaith network in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

I was invited by primary school teachers Ms Aoibhan Barry and Ms Zoe Wilson to conduct a fairtrade workshop with children aged 9-12 yrs at The Star International School, Mirdiff, UAE, April 2015.

It was a success and The Little Fair Trade Shop raised over 700 AED for fairtrade producers in Nepal who had lost workshops and studios during the earthquake.

Many thanks to the teachers and pupils who purchased fairtrade products and supported producers in Nepal.

Teaching Fair Trade at the Star International School, April 2014 - Mirdiff, Dubai, UAE
 Educating little learners about fair trade bananas and being global citizens at the Star International School, Dubai

 

Fair Trade Talk at The Preston University Ajman - May 2012
My fairtrade presentation at the Preston University, Ajman
 

 

Students admiring fairtrade recycled gifts at the Preston University Ajman, visited May 2012 by Sabeena Ahmed The Little Fair Trade Shop

Students admiring fairtrade recycled gifts at the Preston University, Ajman 

I was also invited to The Preston University Ajman and conducted a presentation about fairtrade to students and lecturers at The Fashion and Design Department.

Thank you to the Head of Fashion and Design Mr Saqib Sohail for his support and assistance.

The talk motivated a lively question and answering session and the students purchased fairtrade products.

 

 

The Home Grown Children's Eco Nursery Dubai

During February 2016 I presented a talk about fairtrade to parents at the Home Grown Children's Eco Nursery Dubai. 

 

I am very grateful to Director of Education and Owner Lucy Bruce for supporting my work and Bruce Crowther MBE who sacrificed his sleep to Skype with parents at 4am GMT time.
 
Fairtrade presentation with parents at the Home Grown Children's Eco Nursery, Dubai, UAE
 
I hope that The Home Grown Nursery will become the first fairtrade nursery in the United Arab Emirates.
 
Mums Do Fairtrade at the Home Grown Children's Eco Nursery, Dubai, UAE - February 2016
Mums Do Fairtrade at the Home Grown Children's Eco Nursery,
Dubai, UAE - February 2016
 
Celebrating World Fair Trade Day with a beautiful Cake Dubai, UAE - The Little Fair Trade Shop May 16

 

 

Teaching Fairtrade at Manor Primary School Dubai

I was invited to teach Fairtrade at the Manor Primary School Dubai.
I have attached photographs of the children who thoroughly enjoyed learning about fairtrade and eating Divine chocolate.

 

Sabeena Ahmed teaching Year 5 fair trade at the Manor Primary School Dubai September 2017
Sabeena Ahmed with Mrs Mercer and Year 5 at the Manor Primary School

 

The children enjoyed taking photographs wearing fair trade certified cotton
T-shirts, holding the fair trade banner and wearing banana costumes.
Yr 5 learners at Manor Primary School Dubai. What is fair trade lesson by Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

 Year 5 and Mrs Mercer - Manor Primary School, Dubai

 

 

Social Enterprise Showcase at the Middlesex University Dubai 2018 and 2019

 

April 2018 and 19 I was invited to judge 5 social enterprise businesses at the Middlesex University Dubai. 

Many thanks to Shanthi Rajan, Sandra Stevenson, Suzannah Fernandes and Dr Michael Kloep and Dr Cody Paris for their hospitality.

It was a difficult decision as all the social enterprises were winners.

Congratulations to the 2019 winners Pentagon and their initiative Mihriban for their concept and vision.

Congratulations to the 2018 winners Papersco for their ingenuity.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE 2018/9 SHOWCASES

 Sandra Stephenson with Shanthi Rajan and winners Pentagon at the Middlesex University Dubai  Social Enterprise Showcase April 19

 Sandra Stephenson with Shanthi Rajan and winners Pentagon at the Middlesex University Dubai - Social Enterprise Showcase April 19

 

 Dr Cody Paris announcing the winners at the Middlesex University Dubai Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

Dr Cody Paris announcing the winners at the Middlesex University Dubai

Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

 

Dr Cody Paris, Sandra Stephenson and Shanthi Rajan with the winners PapersCo at the Middlesex University Dubai Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

Dr Cody Paris, Sandra Stephenson and Shanthi Rajan with the winners PapersCo at the Middlesex University Dubai Social Enterprise Showcase April 18 

 

Social Enterprise students at the Middlesex University Dubai Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

Social Enterprise students at the Middlesex University Dubai

Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

 

Sabeena Ahmed with Shanthi Rajan at the Middlesex University Dubai Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

 Sabeena Ahmed with Shanthi Rajan at the Middlesex University Dubai

Social Enterprise Showcase April 18

 

 

To read more about the Social Enterprise Showcase please click here.

 

 

Fairtrade and Professor Mohammad Yunus

Sabeena Ahmed with Professor Muhammad Yunus - Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai 2018

Sabeena Ahmed with Professor Muhammad Yunus


While caring for my mother in Manchester I was able to attend a Social Business Conference hosted by the Salford University, United Kingdom and presented Nobel laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus a fairtrade ceramic plate produced by deaf artisans at Atfaluna Crafts, Gaza, Palestine. It was an inspirational day and one I will never forget. 

I also had the privilege to meet Professor Yunus again in Dubai during Fairtrade Fortnight 2018.

 

 

Fairly traded chocolates,

Nadiya Hussain and Jo Malone

During fairtrade fortnight 2017 I was fortunate to meet Nadiya Hussain and

Jo Malone and presented them with fairly traded chocolates and fair trade gifts.

Fairtrade Fortnight 17 Mrs Saima Tahqiq, Nadiya Hussain, Sabeena Ahmed (The Little Fair Trade Shop) Emirates Airline Literature Festival, Dubai, UAE - March 17

 My dear friend Saima Tahqiq, Nadiya Hussain and Sabeena Ahmed

 

Celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight 17 with Nadiya Hussain and Sabeena Ahmed (The Little Fair Trade Shop) and The Fig Tree Chocolate produced by Bruce Crowther MBE. Venue: Emirates Airline Literature Festival, Dubai, UAE - March 17

Sabeena Ahmed and Nadiya Hussain

 

Fairly traded bean to bar chocolate lovingly produced by Bruce Crowther MBE at The FIG Tree, UK

Fairtrade fortnight Dubai 2017 - Gifts for Jo Malone MBE with The FIG TREE chocolate and The Little Fair Trade Shop, Dubai UAE

Bean to Bar Chocolate produced by me and Bruce Crowther MBE

 

Fairtrade fortnight Dubai 2017 - Gifts for Jo Malone MBE with Friends Handicraft and Maiti Nepal, The Little Fair Trade Shop, Dubai UAE

 Fairtrade Pink Totally Bobbles Bag produced by ladies at Friends Handicraft and Maiti Nepal

 

Fairtrade fortnight Dubai 2017 - Gifts for Jo Malone MBE with Sabeena Ahmed of The Little Fair Trade Shop, Dubai UAE

Jo Malone MBE and ME!

 

 

World Pulse Mentor and Ambassador

Late December 2016 I received a message from the World Pulse team that I had been selected as a World Pulse Vision Mentor.

I was paired with the inspirational Joanna Smiejka, an autism specialist and trainer.

Joanna Smiejka - Autism Specialist, Autism Therapist, Educator, Trainer and World Pulse Change Maker Warsaw Poland

My Change Maker is Joanna Smiejka from Warsaw, Poland

 

World Pulse Vision Mentor Update - May 2017


 

Joanna visited Dubai October 2017 it was her first visit to a Muslim country and she enjoyed her stay.

We had a great time and she thoroughly enjoyed her visit to the United Arab Emirates.

World Pulse Change Maker Joanna Smeija in Dubai, UAE October 2017 with Sabeena Ahmed

Jo eating a delicious date filled with pistachio

 

World Pulse Change Maker Joanna Smeija in Dubai, UAE October 2017 with Sabeena Ahmed

 Joanna at Dubai Creek 

 

Joanna Smieja at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE with Sabeena Ahmed October 17

Jo enjoying the beautiful Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

 

February 2019 I applied to become an ambassador with World Pulse.

My application was accepted.

 

Sabeena Ahmed World Pulse Ambassador 2020 - United Arab Emirates

 

 

 My World Pulse Video

 

 

ABOUT WORLD PULSE

World Pulse believe women hold the power to create global change. They connect them.

World Pulse are an award-winning social network connecting women worldwide for change.

By harnessing the power of technology, the organisation helps to create a world  both online and off where women unite to share resources, launch movements, start businesses, run for office, and courageously tell their stories.

A world where all women thrive.

 

 

Fair Trade Ethical Living

I have always wanted to live a simple, zero waste, minimal lifestyle which reiterates my philosophy of Fair Trade and Ethical Living.

As an ethically conscious consumer I've purposely chosen not to purchase clothes, home ware and cosmetics that don't support my values and ethics.

Over the years I have supported many charities, a good example of raising awareness about food inequality was with Practical Action. I participated in their Live Below The Line 2014 campaign. I believe I was the only participant based in the UAE.

It is has been a pleasure to support the efforts of Adopt A Camp Dubai established by Sahar Shaikh.

I invested in the worlds fist ethical phone the Fairphone2 2015 and recorded a video blog review about my Fairphone 17,418.

The Six Items Challenge has been a part of my life since 2012. It has been a pleasure to support the Labour Behind The Label Team.

 

Adopt A Camp  

The Little Fair Trade Shop Limited supports Adopt A Camp, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This wonderful organisation supports guest workers by distributing food parcels, providing education, medical facilities and other recreational activities. 5000 packages are distributed to men and it is my aim and hope is to interview the volunteers and its director Sahar Sheikh in the near future.

 

Adopt A Camp Certificate - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
 Adopt A Camp Certificate

 

 

Live Below The Line 2014, Dubai UAE

During April/May of 2014 I decided to participate with Practical Action and the Live Below The Line 2014 UK campaign to highlight how 1 billion people around the world slept hungry every night and lived on less than one dollar a day.

 

The issue is one that is very close to my heart as my fairtrade work focuses on alleviating poverty.

 

 Live Below The Line 2014, Dubai, UAE with Sabeena Ahmed and the Little Fair Trade Shop

 Live Below The Line 2014 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

 

Fairtrade supports the Sustainable Development Goals, and every individual deserves to live with dignity, respect and not spend a single night hungry.
 
I have summarised my experiences of the 5 day challenge below.
 
At the time of the challenge the exchange rate was 1GPB = 6AED.
 
My budget for 5 days was 30 dhirams.

 

 2ND MAY 2014 - DAY 5 (THE FINAL DAY)
Live Below The Line Day 5, 2014, Dubai, UAE with Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

 

 

Fairphone 2 Video Blog - 2016

During my Six Items Challenge 2016 - I recorded a blog about my Fairphone 2 
I'm proud to say I am the owner of a Fair Phone 2 - No 17,418!!!

 

What Is The Fairphone?

In 2013, Fairphone launched a movement for fairer electronics. By making a phone, they opened up the supply chain and created new relationships between people and their products. They are making a positive impact across the value chain in mining, design, manufacturing and life cycle, while expanding the market for products that put ethical values first. Together with their community, they are changing the way products are made.
Credit and Source: Fairphone website 2017

 

 

What is a Circular Economy? 

A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and products and materials at the end of service life.

 

 

 

Six Items Challenge 2019 

Six Items Challenge 2019 with Sabeena Ahmed and Labour Behind The Label, Dubai, UAE

For the seventh consecutive year I participated in the Six Items Challenge with Labour Behind The Label.

 

The 2019 the challenge commenced 6th March - 18th April March 2019.

 

I decided to participate and support the Six Items Challenge for the seventh year because I started to campaign for garment and factory workers while caring for my mother who had been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

 

The six items challenge means I choose six items of clothing to wear for six weeks.

 

My beloved mother was a great advocate for women's empowerment and education.

 

She would have been happy and proud of me to continue my campaigning for the millions of countless individuals producing clothes and accessories in factories and workshops around the world.

 

Hopefully by the end of the Six Week Challenge I would have educated a few people.

 

Week One

 

Week Two

 

Week Three

 

 

 

Isatou Ceesay Environmental Activist and Social Entrepreneur Visits Dubai

Isatou Ceesay environmental activist and social entrepreneur accompanied by her son Madou stayed with me for 5 days during their 7 day visit to Dubai late March early April 2019.

 

I asked Isatou to sign copies of her book for nephew's and niece's.

 

I also conducted a detailed interview with Isatou (pronounced Ay Sa Tou) about her life and work.

 

Isatou signing my copy of One Plastic Bag
 

 

Interview short edited version 

 To read about Isatou Ceesay's visit to Dubai, UAE kindly click here.

 

 

Plastic Free July 2019, Dubai, UAE

As climate change becomes one of the most pressing issues of our generation. 

 

I am determined to reduce my plastic consumption and educate others in the process.  

 

 

Plastic Free Badge

 

What is Plastic Free July?

Plastic Free July was started by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and a small team of local government in Western Australia, it is now one of the most influential environmental campaigns in the world.

 

Millions of people across the globe take part every year, with many committing to reducing plastic pollution far beyond the month of July.
Source: Plastic Free July

 

 Plastic Free July 2019 - Sabeena Ahmed, Dubai, UAE
 I began Plastic Free July with a Plastic Free Teabags. 

 

Plastic Free July - Clipper Plastic Free Tea Bags, Sabeena Ahmed, Dubai, UAE
 Clipper Plastic Free Tea Bags

 

Traidcraft 40th Anniversary reusable cup - Plastic Free July, break free from plastic Dubai
Traidcraft 40th Anniversary reusable cup 

 

Traidcraft 40th Anniversary reusable cup and packaging - Plastic Free July, break free from plastic Dubai
Traidcraft 40th Anniversary reusable cup and sustainable packaging,
a thumbs up from me!

 

This jute bag holds precious memories of my beloved Mum and our visit to Edinburgh during her struggle with metastatic breast cancer.
Mum has returned to her maker but her precious memories remain...

 

My Edinburgh jute bag - Plastic Free July, break free from plastic Dxb
My Edinburgh jute bag

 

My Edinburgh jute bag with label - Plastic Free July, break free from plastic Dubai
My Edinburgh jute bag with label 

 

For the past 3 years I've replaced my hand wash with
organic hand made soap.
Hand made soap - Plastic Free July, break free from plastic Dubai
Organic hand made soap

 

 

 

Zero Waste Week 2019

A continuation of trying to live a more Fair Trade Ethical Life I would like to remove all waste from my life. Below is my attempt to support Zero Waste Week 2019, Dubai, UAE.

 

Over the past 3 years I have discovered, tried and tested many zero waste bathroom alternatives.

Organic Loofah instead of a plastic one


Organic handmade soap instead of hand wash


Herbal Tooth powder instead of toothpaste


Bamboo Toothbrush instead of plastic tooth brush and


Miswaak (cleaning twig made from the Salvadora persica tree)
and
Organic Herbal Shampoo.

Organic Loofah - Zero Waste Week 2019, Dubai and the UAE with Sabeena Ahmed
Organic Loofah
 
Bamboo toothbrush, herbal tooth powder and miswak - Zero Waste Week 2019, Dubai and the UAE with Sabeena Ahmed
Bamboo toothbrush, herbal tooth powder and miswak 
 
 
Odylique Herbal Organic Shampoo - Zero Waste Week 2019, Dubai and the UAE with Sabeena Ahmed
Odylique Herbal Organic Shampoo

 

 

Zero Waste Bathroom alternatives - Zero Waste Week 2019, Dubai and the UAE with Sabeena Ahmed
Zero Waste Bathroom alternatives

 

To read more about my efforts to live a Zero Waste Life kindly click on the link here.

 

 

January 2020

Plant A Ghaf Tree at Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE

I decided to start my year of self-care, healing and fulfilling ambitions by supporting a fantastic social enterprise Goumbook.

 

It also reminded me of my mothers love for nature and gardening.
My beloved mother also planted an apple and pear tree in her garden before her passing.

 

Sabeena Ahmed Proud to support Plant A Ghaf Tree Initiative with Social Enterprise Goumbook, at Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE - January 2020
Proud to support Give A Ghaf Tree Initiative with Social Enterprise Goumbook, Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE - January 2020
 
On a beautiful Saturday morning, I headed over to the Sustainable City, Dubai to participate in the Give A Ghaf Tree Initiative. 
Sabeena Ahmed, Proud to support Give A Ghaf Tree Initiative with Social Enterprise Goumbook, at Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE - January 2020
 Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE - January 2020
 
 Sabeena Ahmed, with the Goumbook ladies, Proud to support Give A Ghaf Tree Initiative with Social Enterprise Goumbook, at Sustainable City, Dubai, UAE - January 2020
Sabeena Ahmed with the Goumbook ladies

 

 

 

 

The Badiri Social Entrepreneurial Programme (BSEP), NAMA Women Advancement Establishment and the School For Social Entrepreneurs London and Cornwall 2018

As a seeker of knowledge I decided to apply for the Badiri Social Enterprise and the School for Social Entrepreneurs London Scholarship Programme 2018, UAE.

 

I was accepted onto the prestigious programme May 2018.

 

Sally Heard CEO School for Social Entrepreneurs Cornwall and Sabeena Ahmed at the Badiri Academy, NAMA, Sharjah, UAE May 2018
Sally Heard CEO School for Social Entrepreneurs Cornwall and Sabeena Ahmed at the Badiri Academy, NAMA, Sharjah, UAE - May 2018

 

NAMA Women Advancement and Establishment was established by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.

 

The Badiri Social Entrepreneurship Programme, and the Badiri Education and Development Academy aims to boost, reward and showcase the spirit of female entrepreneurs and develop their skills enabling them to successfully participate in the economy locally and globally.

 

School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) has 10 schools operating across the UK and a further two international schools in Canada and India. SSE has worked with over 1000 social entrepreneurs each year by educating, guiding and supporting them with the knowledge they need to start up their social enterprises. 

 

Badiri Social Enterprise Programme with NAMA in collaboration with the School for Social Entrepreneurs London and Cornwall - Sally Heard CEO of SSE with participants of the first Social Enterprise Scholarship Programme 2018
Photo credit: NAMA and the Badiri Academy

 

The Badiri Social Entrepreneurship Programme BSEP delegates will be the first cohort of SSE collaboration expanding across the Arab region.

 

I am eternally grateful to the NAMA and Badiri Academy for their support in my fair trade work and campaigns.

 

 

 

Graduation and Ceremony 

My Graduation Presentation

 

The 21st January 2019 was a day I will never forget.

 

I finally completed the UAE's first international scholarship cohort and programme with the Badiri Academy, NAMA, and the School For Social Entrepreneurs London and Cornwall, UK.

 

Sabeena Ahmed's Certificate Cohort 1 - BSEP, NAMA and SSE - The Badiri Academy Social Entrepreneurial International Scholarship Programme with the School of Social Entrepreneurs London and Cornwall 2019

I presented my graduation presentation and received my certificate.

Many thanks to Lina Hamdan, Kylie Dickenson, Jo Van Osch (my amazing mentor), Amy Babor and Sally Heard for their kind words of support and encouragement.

 

I praise the Almighty Allah subhana wa'tala for giving me the strength and courage to complete the course.

 

I missed my parents and hope they are proud of me.

 

Thank you to my husband Faisal for supporting me over the past 10 years.

 

Photographs

BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony 2019 Sharjah UAE
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony Hall, 2019
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE 
 
 BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony Alistair Wilson CEO of SSE London, 2019  Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE
 BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony
Alistair Wilson CEO of SSE London, 2019 
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE 
 
 BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony group photo, 2019  Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony Group Photo, 2019 
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE 
 
 
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony, 2019, Amy and Kylie Dickenson from SSE London and North West,  Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony, 2019,
Cathy and Kylie Dickenson from SSE London and SSE North West, 
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE 
 
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony, 2019, Sabeena Ahmed with Lina Hamdan BSEP and NAMA,  Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE
BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation Ceremony, 2019,
Sabeena Ahmed with Lina Hamdan BSEP and NAMA, 
Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, UAE 
 
 
 

The Little Fair Trade Shops Awards and Recognition 

Over the past 11 years The Little Fair Trade Shop has been recognised for its dedication to fairtrade , social and trade justice.
 
We are thankful to the prestigious organizations, judges and supporters.

 

Winner of the BoldTalk Open Mind Award 2011

Sabeena Ahmed Creator and Founder of The Little Fair Trade Shop Winner of The BOLDtalks Open Mind Award 2011
Sabeena and The Little Fair Trade Shop was awarded Winner at
the BOLDTalks 2011 Open Mind Award.
 

 

 

Finalist International Fairtrade Biggest Fan 2016

Sabeena Ahmed was a finalist in the Fairtrade International Fairtrade Biggest Fan Category 2016

 

 

 

Winner of The Environmental Award 2016

- Super Sisters Dubai, UAE, 

Please watch the video acceptance speech here.

 

 

Winner of the

International Social Innovation Pitch

Sabeena won a her International Social Innovation Pitch with three other ladies and would like to congratulate Palma Milicevic and Emma Butler.

  

Future Learn International Social Innovation Challenge Poster - Dr Sara Calvo Martinez (Living In Minca)
  To read more about the social enterprise and enter the International Social Innovation Challenge 2016 click here.

 

 

Finalist - Inspiring Women Changemakers Social Impact Star Award

Sabeena Ahmed - The Little Fair Trade Shop UK & UAE models the totally bobbles pink fair trade bag with LOVE.

Sabeena Ahmed was a finalist in the Inspiring Women Changemakers Social Impact Star category 2018.

 

To read more about Inspiring Women Changemakers click here.

 

 

Finalist - Be The Change Awards 2019

To read more about Be The Change Awards click here.
 

Awarded Feedspot Badge For Top 25 Fair Trade Blog

During May 2018 I received a message from Anuj Agarwal, founder of Feedspot to say that I'd been selected by panelists as one of the Top 25 Fair Trade Blogs on the web.
I've attached part of his email below.
 
''My name is Anuj Agarwal. I'm Founder of Feedspot.

I would like to personally congratulate you as your blog The Little Fair Trade Shop has been selected by our panelist as one of the Top 25 Fair Trade Blogs on the web.

 

I personally give you a high-five and want to thank you for your contribution to this world. This is the most comprehensive list of Top 25 Fair Trade Blogs on the internet and I’m honored to have you as part of this!

 

Also, you have the honor of displaying the following badge on your blog. Use the below code to display this badge proudly on your blog.''
 

 

 

The Future

Rest assured my passion, optimism and determination to raise the profile of fairtrade producers in developing countries especially those who are struggling with natural disasters and economic difficulties remains steadfast. I am forever the eternal optimist.

 

Sabeena Ahmed - The Little Fair Trade Shop UK & UAE models the totally bobbles pink fair trade bag with LOVE.
 Sabeena Ahmed and the totally pink bobbles fair trade breast cancer research bag
 
Fairtrade Fortnight and World Fair Trade Day supporters over the years
Natascia Radice supporting Fairtrade Fortnight in Dubai, UAE with Sabeena Ahmed of The Little Fair Trade Shop
 
Celebrating World Fair Trade Day 2017 Dubai, UAE with ladies at the Dubai Business Women Council
 
I hope to introduce more fairtrade foods and unique bespoke handicrafts to the United Arab Emirates and United Kingdom by visiting and working with universities and schools in Manchester, London, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

 

I have interviewed fairtrade Pakistani organisations and hope to create a fairtrade Pakistani fair trade slow ethical fashion and accessories collection in memory of my late mother Mrs Meshar Mumtaz Bano. The collection will highlight and promote the traditional embroidery supporting ladies from all provinces.

 

I hope that one day Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be pioneer cities and implement a blueprint for fairtrade in the Middle East. It would be a dream come to true to see Dubai acquire worldwide fairtrade city status.

 

 

Show Off Your Fairtrade Label and Support Fairtrade

Sabeena and Irem Ahmed supporting Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 Dubai, UAE -#SheDeserves
 Irem Ahmed modelling the fairtrade bag

 

 

Sabeena Ahmed celebrates International Women's Day and Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE - She Deserves and Each For Equal
Sabeena Ahmed celebrates International Women's Day and
Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, Dubai, UAE -
#SheDeserves and
#EachForEqual

 

 

Get Involved

If you would like to support fair trade please read about fair trade coffee, cotton, tea, sugar, bananas, gold, flowers or chocolate and get involved.

 

Please read the following links

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sabeena Ahmed celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight Dubai, UAE

 

Further Reading and Links

 

 

 

World Fair Trade Day - May 2009 (TBA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Sisters Environmental Award 2016 (TBA)

 

 

 

 

 

 





Also in The Little Fair Trade Blog

Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Banana Brownies Recipe آسان فیئر ٹریڈ کوکو اور کیلے براؤنز کی ترکیب (Fairtrade Fortnight 2024) with Sabeena Z Ahmed
Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Banana Brownies Recipe آسان فیئر ٹریڈ کوکو اور کیلے براؤنز کی ترکیب (Fairtrade Fortnight 2024) with Sabeena Z Ahmed

Here is my Easy Fairtrade Cocoa and Fairtrade Bananas Recipe which I baked for Fairtrade Fortnight 2024.

I have tried my best to translate this recipe in Urdu.

یہ ہے میری ایزی فیئرٹریڈ کوکو اور فیئر ٹریڈ کیلے کی ترکیب جسے میں نے فیئر ٹریڈ فورٹ نائٹ 2024 کے لیے پکایا تھا۔

میں نے اس ترکیب کا اردو میں ترجمہ کرنے کی پوری کوشش کی ہے۔

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Fairtade Fortnight 2024 فیئر ٹریڈ فورنائٹ and Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary  فیئر ٹریڈ کی 30 ویں سالگرہ (English & Urdu) with Sabeena Z Ahmed
Fairtade Fortnight 2024 فیئر ٹریڈ فورنائٹ and Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary فیئر ٹریڈ کی 30 ویں سالگرہ (English & Urdu) with Sabeena Z Ahmed

This month I supported fairtrade fortnight 2024 and celebrated Fairtrade's 30th Anniversary. 

Translation in Urdu

اردو میں ترجمہ

اس مہینے میرے دائیں کندھے میں اب بھی بہت درد ہے اور میں نے اس بلاگ کو ریکارڈ کرنے اور اس بلاگ کو ٹائپ کرنے کے لیے بہت جدوجہد کی ہے۔

Continue Reading →

August 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary
August 2024 - Newsletter Video Blog Summary

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

اردو میں ترجمہ

اس مہینے میرے دائیں کندھے میں اب بھی بہت درد ہے اور میں نے اس بلاگ کو ٹائپ کرنے کے لیے بہت جدوجہد کی ہے۔

میں آخر کار اپنے سکس آئٹمز چیلنج 2024 کے لیے ویڈیوز ریکارڈ

کرنے اور انہیں اپنے یوٹیوب چینل پر اپ لوڈ کرنے میں کامیاب ہو گی

Continue Reading →

 

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