Mother’s Day is coming up. It is a day to reflect on those amazing women who have been there from our very first moment of life. It is a day for us to reflect on those who may not share our same genetic make-up but we consider the mother figure in our lives. It is a day to reflect on mother’s and women everywhere who do their all to provide for their children and kin despite life’s obstacles.
Here at Global Exchange, we are using the occasion of Mother’s Day to recognize the thousands of Fair Trade artisans that are mothers using the art of craft to make a better life for their families and for themselves. According to the Fair Trade Federation, women made up 76% of non-agricultural fair trade production in 2008. Many of those women are mothers serving as the sole bread winner of the family and is faced with the task of being the sole provider. Through Fair Trade, many of these women are actually able to do this while also empowering themselves by finding their own voice and independence. When I was younger, all I wanted to do was be exactly like my mother when I grew up — strong, independent and inspiring. Now, I also want to be like all these Fair Trade artisan mothers, but the best we can do at this point is tell their story and their triumphs. The next few posts will highlight the different stories of mothers in the Fair Trade movement inspiring every one of us.