TARANGO – Bangladesh

TARANGO’s  Self Assessment Report has been approved which gives/maintains our status as REGISTERED MEMBER of the WFTO

Fair Trade is an internationally-recognised approach to trading which aims to ensure that producers in poor countries get a fair deal. A fair deal includes a fair price for goods and services, decent working conditions, and a commitment from buyers so that there is reasonable security for the producers.

The Fair-trade Foundation, Oxfam and Traidcraft agree the following definition of fair trade: Fair Trade is an alternative approach to conventional international trade. It is a trading partnership which aims at sustainable development for excluded and disadvantaged producers. It seeks to do this by providing better trading conditions, by awareness raising and by campaigning.

According to the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT): Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers, especially in the South.

“Getting money is not all a man’s business; to cultivate kindness is a valuable part of business life”.
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

Sustainable Fair Trade Management System

SFTMS is the new worldwide Standard for the independent certification of organizations which demonstrate Fair Trade Business practices. SFTMS is a dynamic and integrated approach for the certification of production, trading and communication. This new worldwide standard framework complements the existing Fair Trade product labeling approaches. Sustainability in this context means addressing social, environmental and economic issues. The foundation and cornerstone of this Standard are the WFTO Fair Trade Principles which support strong, value based business models.

 

Tarango agreed and commits itself to be a Pilot Fair Trade Organization of WFTO Asia in the implementation of SFTMS. As a part of this project Tarango conduct orientation of SFTMS for the producers’ groups/artisans, base line assessment to implement SFTMS; the purpose of this project is to find out the group lack behind and improve them up from that level.

TARANGO and Fair Trade

Creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged producers

Fair Trade is a strategy for poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Its purpose is to create opportunities for producers who have been economically disadvantaged or marginalized by the conventional trading system.

TARANGO works for economically disadvantaged and marginalized producers in order to create opportunities and make the women resourceful, skilled and production oriented. They are supported to develop their human potentials and talents to promote leadership and entrepreneurship so that they can take up the responsibilities of sustainable economic activities to establish a self-reliant and gender-balanced society.

Transparency and accountability

Fair Trade involves transparent management and commercial relations to deal fairly and respectfully with trading partners. TARANGO works in a transparent, respectful manner with its producer groups and Fair Trade Development partners. In our Board Committee we have our two producers and one of them also in oue executive committee.  We are always accountable for improvements in our trading practices and in social and community development.

Paying producers a fair price

A fair price in the regional or local context is one that has been agreed through dialogue and participation. It covers not only the costs of production but enables production which is socially just and environmentally sound..

TARANGO sets the price through dialogue and participation with producers in order to achieve transparent and clear pricing structures. It always provides fair pay to its producers and takes into account the principle of equal pay for equal work by women and men. Most of  TARANGO’s producers are women. TARANGO also ensures prompt payment to its partners and, where possible, help producers with access  Women’s Security Fund’ facility, pre-production financing.

Gender Equality

Fair Trade means that women’s work is properly valued and rewarded. Women are always paid for their contribution to the production process and are empowered in their organizations. TARANGO works with the women in rural areas and other socially, economically and geographically marginalized women to establish a just and poverty free society by organizing and training for disadvantaged women in Bangladesh. Its aims to establish a just and poverty free society through women empowerment. We also helped to increase their ability to have a secure livelihood, while improving their self esteem. Every year we celebrate the International Women’s Day and awarded our best producers.

Promoting Fair Trade

TARANGO works to raise awareness of Fair Trade by providing our customers with information about the origins and production process of handicraft products.

Working Conditions

Fair Trade means a safe and healthy working environment for producers.  TARANGO started Mother & Child Health Care project supported by our Fair Trade  Development partners to assist some of the 3508 individual patients especially mother and child by providing Doctors advice against diseases and primary treatment with medicinal support. We try to provide good working premises with sufficient lights & air. Also gives them advice on  good H&S practice and use of masks and other safety equipment. Most of our producers are members of co-operatives or associations and carry out their work at home.

Child Labour

Fair Trade Organisations respect the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, as well as local laws and social norms in order to ensure that the participation of children in production processes of fairly traded articles (if any) does not adversely affect their well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play. Organisations working directly with informally organised producers disclose the involvement of children in production.

 

TARANGO organize Art competition and cultural competition for its producers children to inspire producers and children to be acquainted with our culture and traditions.

Capacity Building

Fair Trade is a means to develop producers’ independence. Fair Trade relationships provide continuity, during which producers and their marketing organisations can improve their management skills and access to new markets. To accomplish this we are supporting training on Skill, Design, Production & Quality Development, Marketing and Promotion, Costing and Pricing to our producers. TARANGO also helps finance capital expenditures for new equipment allowing them to further develop their product range. Producers are supported  in four layer approach- training, supplies of raw materials, marketing and guidance into self-directed action.

The Environment

Fair Trade actively encourages better environmental practices and the application of responsible methods of production. TARANGO integrates environmental concerns into its production process by using eco-friendly raw materials, technologies, initiatives to reduce energy consumption and create awareness of environmental hazards. During each visit, TARANGO convey the importance of environmental sustainability to the producers. TARANGO is committed to using locally-sourced, sustainable raw materials (Jute fibre, Corn husk etc.)

Trade Relations

Fair Trade Organisations trade with concern for the economic, social, environmental and cultural well-being of small producers and do not maximize profit at their expense. They maintain long-term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect that contribute to the promotion and growth of Fair Trade. An interest free pre- payment of at least 50% is made if requested.

TARANGO has developed long term relationships with its producers based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect. Most of the producers have been working for  more than 20 years and are  now training the newer producers. To develop their capacities and gain access to markets TARANGO regularly monitors and always visits the producer groups. TARANGO also provides prepayment of at least 50% on all orders when they are given.