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Global Mamas is a
fair trade project
supported by
Women in Progress
that empowers
women in Africa

>>About Global Mamas


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Global Mamas
Women in Progress promotes the sustainable livelihoods of women in Africa by promoting their traditional skills in producing handmade batik products. We help the women find export markets AND assist them in managing their growing businesses by providing hands-on, personalized assistance in implementing practical business strategies into day-to-day operations.

Women in Progress markets products hand-made by women in Ghana under the brand name Global Mamas. By purchasing Global Mamas products, you are offering sustainable livelihoods to women in Africa.


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Paying a Living Wage
Women in Progress helps women gain economic independence by increasing the revenues and profits of their businesses. Women are paid upfront for the work as it nearly impossible for them to finance larger orders. We supply an attractive “living wage” for work completed. When making an hourly compensation comparison, WIP pays participating businesses nearly 11 times Ghana’s minimum wage for work completed!

Women in Progress operates much like a co-op where proceeds of the products cover the cost of goods sold and other organizational operating costs. We administer a revolving loan fund for raw materials so the women can enjoy a lower cost of production.

All proceeds of Global Mamas products go directly to the women entrepreneurs and the nonprofit programs that assist them with business development.


Fair Trade Manufacturer
Global Mamas is very proud of our recognition as a “fair trade” manufacturer and distributor through the Fair Trade Federation (FTF). The FTF is a non-profit organization in the United States that accepted Global Mamas to its ranks only after conducting a thorough investigation that ensured the African women who comprise the Global Mamas cooperative are the primary beneficiaries of the proceeds from clothing sales.

Fair Trade means an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of the world. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work. Fair Trade Federation (FTF) criteria are:
  • Paying a fair wage in the local context.
  • Offering employees opportunities for advancement.
  • Providing equal employment opportunities for all people, particularly the most disadvantaged.
  • Engaging in environmentally sustainable practices.
  • Being open to public accountability.
  • Building long-term trade relationships.
  • Providing healthy and safe working conditions within the local context.
  • Providing financial and technical assistance to producers whenever possible.
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