March 8th is International Women's Day. It is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.  It is also a day to raise awareness about the ongoing issues and challenges faced by women around the world and to advocate for gender equality. International Women's Day is a time to recognize and honour the contributions of women globally.

There are many fair trade cooperatives across the developing world, with skilled artisans making beautiful products. This was my inspiration for starting Marigold Collective, and I knew I wanted the focus to be women.

Starting at the beginning, in 2011, I was nearing the end of a one-year Women’s Leadership Program and wanted to have my capstone final project be about bringing business services (ie. financial management, marketing etc.) to women's fair trade cooperatives. In 2012 I travelled to Vietnam meeting with executive directors of the larger fair trade cooperatives. I learned that they did not require those kinds of services. What they did need was help with product development and market access. And so began Marigold Collective with the intention of providing market access for their high quality goods.

Prior to Marigold Collective, I had business working with family cooperatives in Indonesia and Nepal in the late 1980's and into the late 1990's. I loved my work in Indonesia and Nepal and learning about different cultures and that evolved into a lifelong love of travel that has definitely shaped my life. I brought all of this into the creation of Marigold Collective.

Through my years working and traveling in developing countries, I saw that most often, women carry the bulk of the responsibility around caring for children and elders. This amongst many other roles in their homes and communities, including bringing in income where possible.  I came to understand that gender equity and women’s empowerment is key to improving the quality of life for these women and their families.

Buying fair trade products made by women help create real change in particularly challenging environments. It can promote a serious shift in their lives and their communities.  Based on research conducted by United Nations Women, women invest 90% of their income back into their families and communities. This income goes towards food and shelter but also education and medicine. Buying fair trade products has an important impact on lifting women and their families out of poverty.

May this day be a reminder of the progress we've made and the work still ahead. Let's continue to uplift, support, and empower each other in our pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable world.

Here's to the women who inspire us and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Shine on, you amazing women!

As we approach International Women's Day, we want to share ways you can discover the impact of fair trade and contributions of women worldwide. This newsletter is dedicated to honouring the resilience, talent, and empowerment of women who play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer and more sustainable world.

1. Empowering Women through Fair Trade Initiatives:

Discover inspiring stories of women making a difference in their communities through fair trade. From artisans creating beautiful, handcrafted products to farmers cultivating sustainable and ethical practices, their journeys showcase the transformative power of fair trade.

2. Fair Trade Fashion, Celebrating Ethical Style: Explore the world of fair trade fashion and learn about brands that prioritize ethical practices in their supply chains. From clothing to accessories, discover how conscious consumer choices can empower women and promote sustainable fashion.

3. Impactful Fair Trade Projects Supporting Women: Delve into the impactful projects and initiatives that aim to uplift women in fair trade. Learn about the positive changes brought about by these endeavours and how they contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Awareness is key!

4. Spotlight on Women-Owned Fair Trade Businesses: Celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs in the fair trade industry. From small enterprises to larger ventures, these women are exemplifying leadership and driving positive change through their commitment to fair and ethical business practices.

5. Join the Conversation - Events and Activities: Stay informed about events, webinars, and activities happening around International Women's Day. Engage with like-minded individuals and organizations that are passionate about promoting fair trade and women's empowerment.

6. Get Involved: How You Can Make a Difference: Discover practical ways to support fair trade and women's empowerment in your daily life. Whether it's through conscious shopping, advocating for fair trade policies, or supporting local women-led businesses, every action counts.

7. Inspiring Quotes from Women in Fair Trade: Draw inspiration from the words of women who are leading the way in fair trade. Their quotes reflect the strength, resilience, and determination that drive positive change in the global marketplace.

This International Women’s Day let's celebrate the achievements of women and their contributions to the fair trade movement!

Thank you for being a part of the journey towards a fairer future for all.

In honour of International Women’s Day, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on our classic Kantha Throws from March 1 – 15th. 

We love these hand stitched, up-cycled sari throws and we are happy to offer a great selection of colours and patterns. Once you add a throw to your card, there is a space to let us know which dominant colours you like. We are always happy to send you a few photos of options before you pick! 

These multi purpose upcycled cotton saris are hand stitched into 3 ft x 7 ft throws that can be used for a cozy blanket on a sofa, a bed trim, a beach or car blanket, a baby blanket or even an oversized shawl of sorts. 

Kantha Throws are handmade by women artisans in Bangladesh working in a certified fair trade environment.  The mission of this group is to develop the social and economic capacity of former sex workers by creating new employment opportunities.  The lives of these women are changed by their funded training program with the goal of cultivating respect, pride, and legitimacy within their society.  

Spot light on Canadian history on women’s empowerment:

Viola Desmond was an entrepreneur who challenged segregation in Nova Scotia in the 1940s.  She started a civil rights campaign and is considered one of Canada’s most influential women. 

Desmond's resistance to racial discrimination was an important milestone in Canada's human rights history and an inspiration for the civil rights movement in this country.

Viola Desmond built a career and business as a beautician and was a mentor to young black women in Nova Scotia through her Desmond School of Beauty Culture.  

In 1946, Viola Desmond challenged racial discrimination when she refused to leave the segregated whites-only section of the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.  As a result, Viola was arrested, jailed overnight, and convicted without legal representation for an obscure tax offence.

Despite the efforts of the Nova Scotian black community to assist her appeal, Viola was unable to remove the charges against her and went un-pardoned in her lifetime.  Desmond’s courageous refusal to accept an act of racial discrimination provided inspiration to later generations of Black people in Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada.

In 2010, Lieutenant Governor Mayann Francis issued her a free pardon.  In December 2016, the Bank of Canada announced that Viola Desmond would be the first Canadian woman to be featured by herself on the face of a banknote — the $10 bill released on 19 November 2018. Viola Desmond was named a National Historic Person by the Canadian government in 2018.

Have a look at this profile on Viola Desmond here:

We invite you to share this newsletter with your friends and family and anyone you think may enjoy our work. 

The bigger our reach, the more we can share the story of all the women artisans we work with.