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Explorer Tote
Explorer Tote
Regular price
$13.99
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$13.99
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$19.95
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SKU: SKU: SK-155190
The world is your adventure, and this explorer tote is perfect for your journey! Handmade by women rescued from sex trafficking in Kolkata, this tote tells the story of the journey to freedom.
- 100% organic cotton canvas
- Reads: "We're all in this together,"
"Wandering world changer,"
"Life is the best adventure,"
or, "We rise by lifting others" - 13.5" L x 13.5" W (34.2 x 34.2 cm)
Straps: 10.5" L (26.6 cm) - Handmade in & fairly traded from India
Artisan Information
Artisan Information
Within a few square miles in Sonagacchi, Kolkata's most infamous red light district, more than 10,000 women stand in line to sell their bodies. Many are trafficked from Bangladesh, Nepal, and rural India, where poverty and desperation have left them or their families with few options. In that same neighborhood, a fair trade business offers employment and way out for some of these women: Freeset Bags.
The idea for Freeset formed when Annie and Kerry Hilton moved with their four children from New Zealand into the Sonagacchi district, not knowing its reputation, and discovered a calling to try to rescue some of their new neighbors who were forced into prostitution. In 2001 they set up shop with 20 women willing to leave their life on the streets for the opportunity to learn a new trade, making jute and organic cotton bags. Their real business, however, is freedom, as their slogan reminds us.
Sonali was 13 when she was kidnapped from her village, drugged and dragged to the back streets of Sonagacchi where she was sold into prostitution and raped. Bashanti's poverty-stricken parents sold her into the trade so that the rest of the family could eat. Their names were changed to protect their identity, but Freeset is trying to protect other girls just like them from that fate.
Now these young women are part of a fair trade business model that allows them to actively engage in running the business, which includes dealing with health issues and the mental effects of abuse, along with other practical considerations. The Freeset women leave the sex trade but continue to live in their old neighborhood as examples and agents of change, with the hope that someday the disreputable slum will become a safe community that respects women and offers new opportunities to their children.
Supplier Information
Supplier Information
By shopping the Global Girlfriend collection, you are making a difference in women’s lives across the globe. Global Girlfriend is focused on striving for gender equality and empowerment, and the importance of women providing for themselves and their families. By supporting jobs that guarantee fair wages by fair trade, women are able to proudly contribute to their families, encouraging their communities to flourish.
Shipping
Shipping
This product ships to the United States and international. Expedited shipping options are available for addresses within the United States, unless total order weight prohibits.
Returns
Returns
If you are not 100% satisfied with this product, you may return it for exchange or refund within 90 days of purchase, subject to some restrictions. Please review our full Returns & Exchanges information.
