HELPING WOMEN TO ENJOY INDEPENDENCE WITH EVERY FAIR TRADE FREESET GIFT BAG

We collaborated with Freeset to create fair trade gift bags handmade from locally sourced organic cotton as a part of our starter kits.

Freeset is a life-changing fair trade organization that uses locally sourced organic textiles to make customised bags, shirts, and garments for sale across the world, providing meaningful work possibilities for women afflicted by sex trafficking in West Bengal, India. Freeset exists to create positive employment opportunities for the women who have never had the opportunity to be free.

Freeset is much more than a fair trade business, offering an income over the minimum wage, paid time off, pension contributions, and sick leave.

The World Fair Trade Organisation has given our partner, Freeset Bags & Apparel, Fair Trade Guaranteed accreditation, and we couldn't be happier.

We have interviewed Janet Rogers, Freeset Fabrics’ Product Developer and Designer.

WHAT IS FREESET?

Freeset is a fair trade enterprise that was founded in Kolkata about 20 years ago to enable women engaged in the sex trade with an option of alternative decently paid employment of sewn customized items for the export market. The majority of the women were not involved in the sex trade voluntarily, but as a result of great poverty, which is a driving force behind human trafficking... Freeset, on the other hand, is much more than a fair trade business, offering an income over the minimum wage, paid leave, pension contributions, and sick leave. Justice, equality, and freedom drive the Freeset business model, where respect for one another, self-worth, and kindness demonstrate the development of a thriving community. Freeset's product range consists mainly customized bags and tees made from locally sourced organic textiles and using environmentally friendly procedures. Clients pick Freeset not only for the high quality and prompt delivery of its products, but also for its ethical and sustainable values and tales of how it has made a positive difference in the lives of women and their families.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST BECOME INVOLVED WITH FREESET?

I first became associated with Freeset in 2011 - at a time when I was already working with another social enterprise in South India. I became involved with Freeset on a long-term basis in 2013 and until 2019, I worked with one of the rural business units I helped establish in a rural region 200 kilometers north of Kolkata where many of the women come from — we were producing handloom scarves and textiles as well as sewed products. I'm still working with a small group from that unit (which closed last year) to provide them with consulting and product development as they set up their own artisan cooperative, which is incredibly exciting.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT FREESET?

I knew the General Manager who I had met in another context and had been approached to give design and technical consultation to Freeset as part of a broader project, but I had previously heard about Freeset since it was acquiring global recognition as a fair trade brand.

WHAT DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FIRST MET SOME OF THESE WOMEN? HOW HAS FREESET CHANGED THEIR LIVES?

The women were quite welcoming soon made me feel at home. Some of the most memorable moments were simply sitting with them, drinking tea and chatting, as well as the work we did. They enjoy working together and getting the job done - Freeset has given them a fresh start, and many of those who have children now feel more hopeful for a brighter future for them.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS OF YOUR WORK WITH FREESET?

Seeing the expression of accomplishment and happiness on the faces of women after they have completed a product or a task that they thought they would be unable to do — it is always a lovely moment!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EMPOWERING STORIES ABOUT THE WOMEN YOU HAVE MET AT FREESET?

One of the ladies I worked with in the rural area went through a very difficult time before she came to work with us. Her husband died in an accident, leaving her with two small children and no income. We were able to offer her work at the Freeset unit in that area – initially, we were unsure how she would manage with weaving because she was not tall – but she was determined and worked hard – within a few months, she was one of the best weavers and absolutely loved her work – her entire demeanor changed as she became part of the family and realized she was not alone.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT FREESET’S COMMITMENT TO FAIR TRADE AND ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES?

HOW DOES COLLABORATING WITH BRANDS, SUCH AS NOURISH LONDON BENEFIT FREESET?

When a customer shares the same principles, there is always a special synergy – therefore the fact that Nourish London utilizes organic vegan foods, is devoted to using sustainable packaging, and shares the same values and principles that are kind to the planet is a bonus. Orders from brands like Nourish London provide the crew with regular, fairly compensated work, allowing them to support for themselves and their families. Knowing that they are recognized and valued, as well as the exquisite items the women create, contributes to the development of a flourishing and vibrant global community - the Freeset team loves to hear from clients and customers who use their products – so feedback is always welcome!

Freeset is delighted to be collaborating with Nourish London and to be able to create these gift bags, as we share the same values of sustainability and care for our beautiful earth.

Every woman who seeks freedom via Freeset also gives freedom to her family. They find hope for a better future as well as the means to make it a reality. As the company has evolved, a supportive community known as the "Freeset family" has emerged. This family not only looks after its own members, but it also has an impact on the larger community. The common understanding is that "we're in this together."