I’ve just returned from visiting two of Just Trade’s partner projects in Cambodia and Hong Kong. It was a real privilege to meet some of the incredible people who work in the projects and see first-hand how fair trade transforms lives.  

Whilst in Cambodia I visited a textile project where women rescued from sex trafficking and domestic violence are re- trained to work as seamstresses.  Sopher* with 2 young children was abandoned by her husband and had no way of supporting herself. She now works as a sample maker manufacturing bags from recycled rice sacks. I asked her what she’d like to say to people in England, and she replied: “I hope they buy our bags, as it gives us dignity and a way to support our families.  Working here has really changed my life and given me hope.”

In Hong Kong, I met a woman affectionately called “So Big” as she is very tall for a Chinese woman! It was difficult for her to find work as she not only has small children to care for, but also a heart problem. She now works part time work for the Dialog project which allows her to earn a fair wage and work at her own pace. As a member of the sewing cooperative “So Big” enjoys teaching her skills to others and she’s happy to embark on more challenging new designs as her health improves. 

* her name has been changed
 

  Just Trade will be in the thick of the action, selling Lazy Baby, Ascension, and Greg Jackson’s award winning T-shirt  design as seen at the Clothes Show Live. Our stall will be alongside a host of games, rides and themed events.   The fun takes place on London’s South Bank on Sunday 24th February 11am – 4pm. More details and directions at www.fairtrade.org.uk   Fairtrade Fortnight 2008 runs from the 25th of February to the 9th of March.    Fun ways to mark the occasion might include hosting a Just Trade party, or cook a meal using only fair trade ingredients, or doing your weekly shopping trip buying only fair trade goods.