Latest Events

STREE Vikas Fellowship cohort 2, onsite training program organized by Fair Trade Forum India at New Delhi. 20 participants from all the four regions participated with great zeal and enthusiasm. This five day training program was conducted at Don Bosco Specialized Center, Okhla from 3 July 2024 to 7 July 2024. The following direct impact of the program will manifest in the following for these 20 fellows: Understanding emerging global/national/regional/ local opportunities for Fairtrade Improving systems for day-to-day management of Fairtrade crafts/ associations Understanding how to manage expectations of various stakeholders and user groups Analyzing roles and role linkages within the system for effective leadership The STREE Vikas Fellowship Program inaugurated by Ms. Moon Sharma, Treasure Fair Trade Forum India by lighting the lamp. She also welcomed all the participants and gave a brief introduction about the FTFI and also shared her experience as an artisan with them. Her inspiring successful story filled The five days training session was delivered by resource person Ms. Lakshmi Raman and Ms. Lalitha Iyer compering by Ms. Poornima Jagtap. Participants got training to get mastery in crucial topics like design thinking, project design and development, mapping out their plans and journey as a fellow. They also learnt the introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset, where they explored key factors for success including creativity, innovation, risk-taking, resilience, persistence, and self-motivation. They also honed essential communication skills, emphasizing the importance of listening, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Fair Trade Forum-India hosted the Women’s Leadership Forum on July 6, 2024, at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, New Delhi. This empowering event brought together artisan leaders, board members, and the dedicated FTF-I team for a day filled with insightful activities and inspiring stories. Nine remarkable artisans were spotlighted, sharing their personal and professional journeys, including Sony Morya- Mijwan Welfare Society, Rati Singh- Abhyudaya, Pooja- MESH, Anjali- Believe India, Rajkumari Joshi- Sadhana, Laali Devi- Shreedev Mahila SHG, Poonam Ved- Avaran, Dipali Parmanik- Sasha, Sandhya Sarkar- Ushagram Lok Siksha Niketan. The forum commenced with an inauguration by esteemed board members and artisans, followed by a warm welcome from FTF-I Program Manager, Smriti Kedia, and a keynote address by FTF-I President Rajesh Kumar, who impassioned the attendees to pursue their dreams and leave a lasting impact in their field. The proceedings were skillfully moderated by Program Manager Ms. Ruchi Adhikari, culminating in a dynamic leadership workshop conducted by board member Ms. Sujata Goswami, aimed at enhancing the participants' leadership prowess.

Fair Trade Forum-India advances the StreeVikas Fellowship Program 2023 to the second phase. The phase-2 on-site training was held from 21st to 25th January 2024 in Bangalore, Karnataka. The 5-day event provided leadership training, personality development sessions, and promoting the overall well-being of women artisans. The 6-month fellowship program was launched in October 2023 for women artisan leaders from 20 Civil Society Organizations across PAN India. Phase 2 of the fellowship program allowed participants to interact and share ideas through different games and activities. The fellows delivered presentations on their planned work during the fellowship journey and made educational visits to different sites to gain exposure to creativity and innovation.

The FTF-I launched the STREE Vikas Fellowship Program 2023 in New Delhi on 9th October, 2023. The fellowship cohort has 20 fellows who are emerging women artisans’ leaders from across India. The phase-1 on-site training or 1st Contact Module was conducted from 9th to 13th October, 2023. During the one week program, the participants were acquainted with the fellowship roadmap through different activities, including design thinking, market trips, mentoring sessions, exploring assumptions, and identifying their leadership abilities.

Fair Trade Forum-India marked its presence at the April Fair, Delhi from 20th to 22nd April 2024. FTF-I facilitated eight Members and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to participate in the National Trade Fair- Literacy India, Asha Handicraft, Sandur, Sakshi International, JKSMS, Avaran, Art Bunker, and MESH displayed their products, showing participation and dedication to ethical trade and sustainability. April Fair combined trade marts with exhibition and convention spaces for manufacturers and exporters. It featured a wide array of product categories, including kitchenware, home décor, furniture, fashion accessories, textiles, carpets, and more, the fair presented high-quality, precise, and unique offerings sought after both domestically and internationally.

National Convention 2023 was held in Bangalore, Karnataka from 8th to 10th December. The program brought together leaders from Civil Society Organisations, FTFI member organisations and stakeholders from the craft sector. The National Convention had the active participation from 63 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and 31 Member Organizations. The event commenced with an inaugural session graced by esteemed guests Ms. Roopa Mehta, President of the World Fair Trade Organization, and Ms. Ratna Prabha (IAS Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, followed by an engaging cultural program. The second day of the Convention, on 9th December 2023, the participants of the National convention were addressed on key topics on strategy, collaboration, e-commerce, and the life journeys of eminent personalities. The program started in the morning where the distinguished speakers from various industries shared their expertise: Ms. Payal Nath, Co-founder of “Kadam Haat,” spoke on “Power of Collaboration”; Mr. Vinodh Parameshwaran, Co-Founder of Springboard Digital, discussed “E-Commerce”, Mr. Paul Thomas, Founder of ESAF Group of Social Enterprises, addressed “Micro Finance & MSME”. The post-lunch sessions included Mr. Nirmal Narayanan, Senior Vice President, NRR Sons Group, focusing on “Environment - Achieving Carbon Zero & Plastic Zero Norms”; Mr. Abhishek Jani, CEO of the Fair Trade India project, delved into “Strategies for Our Times”; and Dr. Javed A Khan (ED, IPAS) presenting on “Public Finance & Government Schemes.” The National Convention 2023 wrapped up with the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) on 10th December 2023, where AGM Members appreciated the FTF-I Board for their stability, accomplishments, and shared valuable insights into marketing and membership strategies. Moreover, the ongoing activities for the quarter includes the Community Facilitators’ Training Program, Community Level Workshops, Trade Fairs, and STREE Vikas Fellowship Program.

Fair Trade Forum-India, in collaboration with Dharohar Foundation, orchestrated a grand celebration of India's rich cultural heritage with Aapno Varso 2023, an Art-Craft and Heritage Mahotsav, held from 21st to 25th December in Vadodara, Gujarat. The inauguration of the event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Maharani Radhika Raje Gayakwad, the illustrious Queen of Vadodara, and Guest of Honour Smt. Pinkiben Soni, the esteemed Mayor of Vadodara. The occasion was further dignified by the presence of Dr. Hitendra Patel, Ex. Chairman of the Standing Committee, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Mrs. Arupa Laheri, Regional Director, Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts, Ministry of Culture, Smt. Meena Ba Parmar, Vice President BJP, and Smt. Jayaben Thakkar, Ex. Member of Parliament. Aapno Varso 2023, supported by European Union, featured 48 stalls from different organizations in the Indian craft sector, providing a platform for showcasing and selling their products. Additionally, FTF-I facilitated the participation of 14 associated Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and its members, contributing to the overall success and diversity of the program.

Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show held in Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 21st – 25th Sept, 2023. It provided a comprehensive platform that showcased the diverse range of products and industries in Uttar Pradesh. With a focus on promoting local businesses and products, the event brings together various sectors, from agriculture and manufacturing to tourism and technology, providing a unique opportunity for both B2B and B2C interactions. The inclusion of different categories such as ODOP products, GI-Tag products, and various others demonstrates the rich cultural and economic diversity of the state. The participation of stakeholders such as government agencies, buyers, investors, and marketing professionals indicate a collaborative effort to boost the state's economy and global market presence. The five-day event allows ample time for participants to engage with potential clients, strike deals, and explore various promotional and development schemes. The Trade Show was a promising initiative, fostering connections, collaborations, and growth opportunities for businesses in Uttar Pradesh while promoting the state's unique products and industries on a global scale.

Gifts World Expo was held in Bangalore, Karnataka from 7th to 9th Sep, 2023. The expo offered a comprehensive platform for businesses in the gifting and promotional industry. The event focused on providing opportunities to both established companies and startups to generate leads, gain industry insights, and explore sustainable solutions. The expo served as a platform for the launch of new products, live product testing, and instant feedback. The ability to analyze industry trends, generate creative ideas, meet with dealers and distributors, and conduct market research and competition analysis adds to the value proposition for both exhibitors and visitors. Gifts World Expo 2023 ensured that businesses attending the event can find tailored solutions to meet diverse client demands by catering to a wide range of gifting needs, including corporate, festive, and celebratory occasions. This comprehensive approach reflects the expo's adaptability and responsiveness to the market's changing needs.

Fair Trade Forum India, supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched Project- Swavlamban-Self Reliance support to refugee men and women. Under the project, the FTF-I worked towards broadening the protection space for the refugees protected under the mandate of UNHCR India, by generating livelihood opportunities in the local economy. The livelihood support was provided as micro-business grants in Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, and Mewat. An implementation arrangement was done by J.K.S.M.S, Believe India, The Child Trust, Archisha, and Conserve India in Jaipur and Mewat. All the micro-grants were utilized by the POCs to start their businesses, mainly tailoring shops, grocery stores, and beauty parlors.

Fair Trade Forum- India collaborated with Vision Spring Foundation for eye screening of up to 50000 Artisans and Weavers across India in the operation areas of member organisations and providing eyeglasses to those who require them. The partnership was launched at India Habitat Centre on 29th March, 2022 in the presence of Ella Gudwin- CEO, VisionSpring, Anshu Taneja- Country Director, Ms. Moon Sharma-Treasurer, FTF-I and Mr. Anchal Kumar- Executive Director, FTF-I during the Clear Vision India 2022.

National Convention 2022 was held in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, from 10th to 12th November 2023. The Annual General Meeting for Fair Trade Forum India was held on 12th November in Clarks Shiraz, Agra. It was attended by the Board Members, Staff, trainers, and Member Organization. The agenda of the National Convention was to present updates on different projects and activities of the FTF-i. At the event, lectures were delivered on diverse- Business vs. Social Business, Anthropogenic Climate Change induced livelihood vulnerability, Issues of business, and Outcome Vs. Process. This was followed by the success stories of social entrepreneurs supported by FTF-I.