This practical and stylish satchel was made by women in India working with Freeset, an organisation set up to provide choices and opportunities for former prostitutes. They say:
Freeset was established in 2001 to provide high quality jute bags whilst also providing intervention and employment to women who had been trafficked into prostitution in Kolkata, India. We now employ over 150 women who manufacture our export quality bags and our customers range from large corporations to community groups, schools and events.
Their ethical commitment extends to their environmental practices, using sustainable materials and minimising the need for chemicals that can cause damage to both people and the planet.
We met Rachel from Freeset’s distribution arm Global Seesaw at the recent British Association of Fair Trade Shops (BAFTS) AGM and conference and was impressed by her knowledge of the products and their impact, so impressed, in fact, that we placed a big order and now have a great range of products in stock – pop in and see for yourself!