World Fair Trade Day 2024: Igniting a #BusinessRevolution
Why Do We Celebrate Fair Trade?
In the global marketplace, where profit margins often overshadow ethical considerations, there's a beacon of hope that’s celebrated each year on World Fair Trade Day. This celebration organised by WFTO and observed on the second Saturday of May, not only recognizes the importance of fair trade practices but also serves as a rallying cry for a #BusinessRevolution with the belief that business can be done better. In 2024, the call for ethical commerce resounds louder than ever, urging businesses to prioritize people and planet.
You can find out more about The World Fair Trade Organisation and their call for a Business Revolution on their website. Read on to hear our suggestions about how you can play your part.
The Evolution of Fair Trade
Fair trade isn't a new concept. It has been woven into the fabric of commerce for decades, championing equitable partnerships between producers and consumers. What started as a grassroots movement has evolved into a global phenomenon, shaping the way businesses operate and consumers shop. Today, fair trade encompasses not only coffee and cocoa but also textiles, handicrafts, and a myriad of other products, including clothing.
World Fair Trade Day: A Global Celebration
World Fair Trade Day isn't just another date on the calendar; it's an occasion that unites individuals, businesses, and organizations around the world. From bustling city streets to remote rural communities, events and activities mark this day, celebrating the power of fair trade to transform lives. It's a time to recognize the artisans, farmers, and workers whose dedication sustains the movement.
Find out more about our artisan and Fair Trade producers on our Partners and Suppliers page.
Jenerous Founder Jenny Allan holds a WFTO poster reading ‘Proud to sell Fair Trade products’ on World Fair Trade Day 2024
Our Founder on World Fair Trade Day 2024
Jenerous’ founder Jenny Allan shares her thoughts about the importance of Fair Trade.
“Today, on #WFTODay, we're not just celebrating ethical fashion; we're championing a Business Revolution that puts people and the planet first. At Jenerous, we're proud to stand at the forefront of this movement, partnering with Fair Trade enterprises to redefine what success looks like in the fashion industry.
This year's theme, #BusinessRevolution, resonates deeply with our commitment to transparency, accountability, and positive impact. From sourcing materials responsibly to ensuring fair wages and working conditions, every decision we make is a step towards a more just and sustainable future.
Join us in rewriting the rules of fashion, where profit isn't the only measure of success, but rather, the wellbeing of communities and the health of our planet take centre stage. Together, let's pave the way for a fashion industry that's as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.”
Fair Trade Clothing Made By Verified WFTO Suppliers
If you’re wondering where to buy Fair Trade fashion in the UK then Jenerous offers a collection of contemporary clothing that’s made in WFTO enterprises in India, empowering people through fair work.
Here’s a selection of our women’s clothing, or you can view the whole collection here.
This top has been made in a registered Fair Trade factory in India, providing work and training opportunities to vulnerable people from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Your purchase helps change lives. 10% of your purchase will go towards supporting our charity projects.
A white summer cotton top with broderie anglaise embroidery and a cut out scalloped hem detail. The top has double layered ruffle sleeves and a concealed side zip. Made from deadstock fabric which supports small Indian businesses in Bangalore, and reduces landfill.
Please note that broderie embroidery design is as worn by the second model wearing black trousers.
Model wears a size 8 and is 5ft 6in tall. Indoor model wears a size 8 and is 5ft 10in tall.
Made in a Fair Trade factory
Embroidered cotton
Cut out detail
Machine washable
This dress has been made in a registered Fair Trade factory in India, providing work and training opportunities to vulnerable people from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Your purchase helps change lives. 10% of your purchase will go towards supporting our charity projects.
Our Brave dress is a classic sustainable shirt dress, made from 100% cotton stock fabric. This midaxi length shirt dress is loose fitting and has a full tiered skirt. It has pockets, natural shell buttons and a detachable waist belt. It’s been made in an ethical process at one of our partner WFTO factories, ensuring that workers are paid a fair wage.
This dress creates a super versatile ethical look that transitions from day to evening. It’s made from a lightweight white dobby cotton and is perfect for summer.
Beach model wears a size small and is 5ft 2in tall. This dress is available in a small (UK 6-8), medium (UK 10-12) and large (UK 14-16).
Made in a Fair Trade factory
100% cotton
Midaxi length
Shirt dress detailing
Pockets
Machine washable
This dress has been made in a registered Fair Trade factory in India, providing work and training opportunities to vulnerable people from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Your purchase helps change lives. 10% of your purchase will go towards supporting our charity projects.
We’ve updated the Transformation dress by adding pretty voluminous sleeves, pockets, and an elastic waistband. This sustainable dress is made from organic cotton that has been hand block printed by artisans in India, using eco-friendly dyes. The pink and blue floral is fresh and summery making it a timeless and versatile addition to any wardrobe. The dress is midi length, ending mid calf, and features a flattering waist seam at the front and a gathered tier at the hem.
Available in a closed back version or with a cut out back detail that’s tied in a knot.
Please note that all our printing is done by hand, and any imperfections are part of the unique nature of our products.
Models wear a size 10, and is 5ft 9in tall.
Hand block printed using eco-friendly dyes
Made in a Fair Trade factory
Floral print design
Organic cotton
Machine washable at 30
These trousers have been made in a registered Fair Trade factory in India, providing work and training opportunities to vulnerable people from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Your purchase helps change lives. 10% of your purchase will go towards supporting our charity projects.
Our Fair Trade trousers are made from GOTS certified organic cotton and are perfect for any occasion. With a flattering wide leg and fitted waistband they can be worn with heels or trainers for a more casual look. Our trousers have pockets and an elasticated waistband at the back, which makes them super comfy. Inside leg measurement on a medium is 81cm.
Available in Extra Small (UK size 6-8), Small (UK size 8-10), Medium (UK size 12-14) and Large (UK size 16-18)
Location model wears a Small and is 5ft 7in tall.
The #BusinessRevolution
In 2024, the theme of World Fair Trade Day ia a call for a #BusinessRevolution. This revolution isn't about overthrowing the existing order but rather about reshaping it into something more equitable and sustainable. It challenges businesses to rethink their practices, placing fairness, transparency, and environmental stewardship at the forefront of their operations.
Key Principles of the #BusinessRevolution:
Ethical Sourcing: Businesses must ensure that the products they sell are sourced ethically, with fair compensation for producers and respect for labour rights.
Transparency: Transparency isn't just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of the #BusinessRevolution. Consumers deserve to know where their products come from, how they're made, and the impact they have on people and the planet.
Environmental Responsibility: Climate change and environmental degradation are existential threats that demand urgent action. The #BusinessRevolution prioritizes sustainability, minimizing carbon footprints, and preserving natural resources.
Community Engagement: Businesses are more than just profit-making entities; they're integral parts of communities. The #BusinessRevolution encourages businesses to engage with and support the communities in which they operate, fostering economic development and social cohesion.
How You Can Join the Movement
The #BusinessRevolution isn't the exclusive domain of multinational corporations or industry giants. Every individual, regardless of their role or influence, has a part to play in shaping the future of commerce. Here are a few ways you can join the movement:
Shop Ethically: Choose products that are certified fair trade or produced by companies with transparent and ethical supply chains.
Raise Awareness: Spread the word about fair trade and the #BusinessRevolution through social media, community events, or conversations with friends and family.
Support Fair Trade Organizations: Whether through donations or volunteering, support organizations that promote fair trade and sustainable practices.
Hold Businesses Accountable: Use your consumer power to hold businesses accountable for their practices. Ask questions, demand transparency, and support companies that prioritize ethics and sustainability.
Why We Need A Business Revolution
As we commemorate World Fair Trade Day 2024, let's not only celebrate the achievements of the fair trade movement but also recommit ourselves to the #BusinessRevolution. Together, we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable global economy—one where business isn't just about profit but about people and the planet.
We’ve written lots more about how Fair Trade relates to fashion and the 10 Principles of Fair Trade that we follow, over on our Fair Trade page.