People Tree
Jane Shepherdson reports from Thanapara Swallows on the difference that Fair Trade fashion makes
I arrived at Swallows after a hair raising journey from Dhaka, dodging tuk tuks, bicycles and heavily laden lorries on what appeared to be the only road above water. I was shocked to see so much of the country under water, and 'normal' life carrying on despite it being shoulder height in some places.
The handicrafts building at Swallows looked similar to many other small factories I have visited, with one very obvious exception - all the women here looked happy and dignified. There was no forced smiling for the client, they appeared to be very productive and were chatting and gossiping whilst they worked.
I spoke to a lady there who had chosen to hand weave; a physically demanding job but one that she said she enjoyed as it helped her to get out her frustrations. Her husband had left her, but with her job at Swallows she had built her own house, paid her sister's dowry, and was completely self-supported. When asked if she would like a new husband she looked astonished. She asked why she would want a husband when she could fend for herself.
It was wonderful to see how through funding schools and creches for the children, projects like this one allow the women to work and support their families.
Typical factories I have visited in the past have tended to be in the city, thus forcing the workforce to leave their families for long periods.
Swallows shows that it doesn't have to be that way, that relatively inexpensive, beautiful, quality clothes can be produced in a way that doesn't take away people's dignity and break up their families.
Jane Shepherdson became well known as Brand Director at Topshop, and now brings her expertise in fashion to People Tree by joining the Board.
Thanapara Swallows provides support and livelihoods for the community
From Left: Ovi, Shamina, Iasmin and Saheba
Fair Trade supports Swallows school:
Ovi is 9 years old and studies at the Swallows school, which is funded by Fair Trade.
Shamina's father benefits from microcredit from the Swallows Village Development Program.
Iasmin and Saheba are both 8 years old and their mothers work in the handweaving unit at Swallows which you see in the People Tree Catalogue.
From Left: Morzia, Rozifa, Emilie, Rumi and Sapna
Emilie, our volunteer model, with Swallows weavers and tailors.
Morzia, 50 has worked in the sewing section at Swallows for 13 years, enabling her to be the main breadwinner of her family and raise 3 children.
Rozifa received her training at Swallows over 25 years ago.
Rumi's daughter attends the day care centre, which means that Rumi can go to work at the Swallows sewing unit, where she has been for one year.
Sapna is 37 years old and has been employed by Swallows for 14 years, and has two children.
Fair Trade has allowed them to double their income as well as access medical support and loans to enable their children to go onto further education and improve their lives.