I was on such a high after our fabulous time in the north and our experience in the south was equally rewarding! We met with the people from Tarango in their office last Thursday where I discovered many new products. I don't think I've ever met an organisation more passionate about human rights and women's empowerment. This organisation was started by a German priest in the 1970's and Kohinoor (female CEO - a rarity in Bangladesh!) and all the staff have continued his legacy with unwavering commitment. Our two days in the villages where our jute baskets are produced gave us a genuine insight into the challenges that these communities face and the benefits of Fair Trade.
Situated alongside a river and among rice paddies almost all the women in several villages produce baskets for Tarango. Some have to walk for 2 hours to collect their raw materials and to bring their finished products to the Tarango office, but they don't mind because they are earning more than they could ever dreamed of. They are earning more than their husbands, they are earning enough to educate all of their children (including girls!), they are earning enough to build new homes that withstand the annual floods better and enough to buy new clothes without permission from their husbands. These women are truly happy and it was wonderful to know that we are contributing to improving their lives! This experience was a real highlight!
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