Today marks the last day of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight but the work of the Fairtrade Foundation is far from over.
The organisation is fully dedicated and invested in ensuring that producers and workers in developing countries are treated fairly and that they are not taken advantage of by nations with greater global influence.
One of the Fairtrade Foundation’s latest moves has been to call on the Commonwealth Heads of Government to keep in mind the principle of fairness when embarking on trade deals with other nations at their meeting next month in London.
Around 33% of all Fairtrade goods worldwide are produced in Commonwealth countries.
The Fairtrade Foundation wants to ensure that Commonwealth leaders work together and use their influence to put an end to modern day slavery and exploitation by ensuring that all workers are paid living incomes, not poverty wages.
Another of the Fairtrade Foundation’s main goals is to achieve greater gender equality among workers. Women represent a high percentage of the agricultural workforce in developing nations.
It is leaders’ responsibility to ensure they are giving women the same opportunities to reach their true potential and truly shine by championing female leadership and facilitating their access to funding and projects.
In the last year, UK consumers have purchased 7% more Fairtrade products than the previous year which shows that they are becoming increasingly aware of Fairtrade products and are trusting the brand.
“The sad fact is that exploitation is still rife in global trade, characterised by modern slavery, disempowered women and farmers and workers on poverty wages,” said Mike Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation.
“This is a unique moment for Commonwealth leaders and heads of state to come together and lead the world by ending the exploitation of some of the poorest workers, and make trade truly fair.”
> Naomi Round
