‘Fair Trade’ isn’t just a product label that makes consumers feel good; it’s an entirely different way of thinking about commerce, business, and industry. For some, it is a lifeline.
Fair Trade is a global movement that ensures artisans, farmers, and producers—especially those in vulnerable communities—are paid fairly, treated with dignity, and empowered to build sustainable futures.
In a world driven by fast fashion and mass production, Fair Trade calls businesses to make decisions according to ethical standards, not financial gain. It asks them to think about higher issues, like justice, inclusion, and care for the person behind the product.
But Fair Trade is not an easy path. Competing in today’s retail landscape is already tough, and it becomes even tougher when a business upholds humanitarian values in every part of the supply chain.
So, this World Fair Trade Day, we celebrate the people who make our products—and the vision that dignity, not convenience, should shape our economy.
Transforming markets, restoring dignity: The Leprosy Mission Australia Shop
When large ethical retailers are closing, and the market grows more competitive, it might seem easier to walk away from Fair Trade.
But at Leprosy Mission Australia, we’re not here to do what’s easy; we’re here to do what’s right. Fair Trade is more than a marketing strategy—it’s our mission in action.
Every product we sell is a step toward a world where no one is an outcast. No one is left behind. And every person, regardless of their past, health, or place of birth, is treated with dignity.
Our social enterprise, The Leprosy Mission Australia Shop, empowers communities worldwide by selling ethically sourced, Fair Trade products. We work directly with artisans and organisations across Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Israel/Palestine, Thailand, Vietnam, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and beyond, ensuring they receive a fair, dignified income.
Yet, our store represents more than artisan craftsmanship or creating a profit to fund purposeful work—both of which are important. It plays a significant role in seeing people have their dignity restored, be fully included in their communities, and be empowered with economic independence.
Many of our artisans live with disability, have experienced leprosy, or have faced systemic exclusion. A majority are women. All are rebuilding their lives through the power of work and community.
Through The Leprosy Mission Australia’s Shop, we’re finding glimmers of redemption—even amid the market’s mess.
Update: Our journey so far
We’re proud to say that we’ve already achieved some excellent outcomes through our Fair Trade store—and we’re only getting started! In FY24, our shop worked with artisans in 10 countries, supporting over 200 artisans around the globe. We focused on artisans from countries with the highest rates of leprosy and in projects that The Leprosy Mission Australia directly supports, and also supported those in other projects addressing injustice for people affected by leprosy and disability.
In total, 20% of our product mix came from overseas artisan partnerships.
And we’re committed to growing every year.
The impact is real: Radhika’s story
In Nepal, Radhika—once isolated due to leprosy—has worked with our partner New SADLE for nearly 30 years. Today, she leads a team of 30 artisans creating traditional Batik products.
This work has enabled her to send her children to school, achieve financial independence, and rebuild her life with dignity.
Her story is one of thousands. And it’s not an exception—it’s the heartbeat of what we do. Because there’s a different way to engage with the world—one that values people over profit, story over speed.
That’s what we’re building through The Leprosy Mission Australia Shop, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Support World Fair Trade Day by choosing products that put people and the planet first. Shop with us at shop.leprosymission.org.au and use code FAIRSHIP when you spend $30 or more for free shipping—your purchase helps create fairer futures for artisans around the world.
