It is easy to get lost amongst the busyness and the many pressures of running an effective social enterprise. There is the daily routine required in keeping the accounts, managing web content and picking and packing orders. There is the publicity, communications and marketing. There is the future planning and stock selection. With all the various things pressing for time it is important to not lose sight of why the business exists in the first place.
Global Seesaw started at the end of 2005 as a business response to human trafficking and exploitation. Whilst there were many charities and NGOs who were looking at campaigning and supporting women to exit we wanted to work in a new area.
For genuine freedom to be created there needed to be employment opportunities for the women, many of whom would be stigmatised and not able to secure work easily. We were excited about working with social businesses who wanted to develop employment for trafficked and exploited women.
Six years on and we now work with 10 social enterprises that are in business to address the issue of human trafficking. Each business provides training, employment and support to women and make sure they have genuine choices and freedom with their future.
These businesses make a variety of items from bags to scarves; journals to earrings; sari throws to hair clips. What unites them all is a heart to make a difference in vulnerable women’s lives through creating quality products.
Our vision is that people can shop with us knowing that they will get a fair trade gift or item they want and to know there is genuine change being created through the manufacture of the products.
Instead of the buying and selling of young women and girls, we believe business can make a positive difference and play a part of addressing human trafficking in 2012 and beyond.
Check out the variety of products made in our fair trade shop.