What is fair trade? Fair trade is an approach to business and development, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade by putting people before profit. For a fair trade certified organization like Azizi Life, that means fair wages, safe and dignified work, and lasting community benefit. Here is what it means and four ways you can support it.
What Is Fair Trade?
Azizi Life is a Fair Trade Certified organization. What does that mean?
Fair trade is an approach to business and to development, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect, that seeks to create greater equity in the international trading system.
(Definition from the Fair Trade Federation.)
In short, the fair trade meaning comes down to putting people before profit, and Azizi Life is committed to this people-first philosophy in everything we do. In line with the UN Development Goals, Azizi Life strives to empower women, promote education, steward the environment, pay fair wages, and promote dignified work.
How Azizi Life Partners in Development Through Fair Trade
1. We empower women. Over 80% of Azizi Life artisan partners are women. When women receive fair wages, they exercise financial independence for the benefit of their families. Gender inequality decreases as women rise as leaders in their households and communities.
2. We promote education. Azizi Life Impact’s adult literacy program educated more than 2,500 new readers within the last four years. Rural citizens and prisoners learn to read and write and are empowered through the Rwandan literacy curriculum to participate in national development goals. Graduates are leading savings groups, promoting disease prevention, and advancing child wellness.
3. We steward the environment. Azizi Life offers renewable resources like fuel-efficient stoves and water filters to artisans and community members. Through interest-free loans, more than 1,000 households have gained access to resources that make a difference for the environment, health, and economy. In addition, over 90% of the artisans’ raw materials are locally sourced from renewable plants.
4. We pay fair wages and promote safe, dignified work. Azizi Life artisan partners are paid immediately upon delivery in Rwanda. At the top of our priorities is artisan wellbeing and fair, prompt payment for every product. Our artisan partners work together in cooperatives that promote just, safe work free from child labor.
How to Support Fair Trade: 4 Simple Ways
Wondering how to support fair trade beyond shopping with Azizi Life? Here are four simple ways:
1. Shop Fair Trade
Look for fair trade products as alternatives for items you already buy, like food and toiletries. If you’re unsure an item is fair trade, look for a “Fair Trade Certified” label or research the brand. We recommend marketplaces like Simple Switch, which offer a variety of fair, ethical goods in one place.
2. Advocate
If your favorite stores or supermarkets do not carry fair trade products, ask why. Explore ways to come alongside them to add fair trade products to their shelves.
3. Give Back
Donate to fair trade nonprofit organizations and companies that support ethical production. A donation to Azizi Life Impact is an investment in economic opportunity for rural Rwandan artisans and communities.
4. Spread the Word
Educate yourself and empower others to do the same. Share with your friends, family, and community the importance of fair trade, and post on social media about your favorite fair trade brands, like Azizi Life.
When you support fair trade, you are supporting both people and the planet. Every product we purchase is connected to a person, and purchasing fair trade is one small step to making our world a better place.
“Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.”
― Anna Lappe