Global Mamas: The Impact of Fair Trade on Women In Ghana

Twenty-three years ago, eight women came together in a time of need. Six skilled Ghanaian women and 2 peace corps volunteers from North America. Today, they work with over 350 artisans who now make up the sustainable clothing and jewelry brand known as Global Mamas.

Global Mamas employs women in Ghana, working toward gender equality through fair pay, safe work environments, and sustainable materials. They are widely known for their batik textiles. Batik is an ancient fabric art where hot wax is stamped or painted onto the fabric before it is dyed.

This process is widely used in Ghana, which means that without wider market access, local competition is high. The original 6 women were highly skilled, but with so many competitors, they found their exporters delaying orders and payments. They realized they wouldn’t have work if something didn’t change.

With the help of the volunteers, they began to grow their own organization that followed the principles of fair trade before they even knew what it was. They weren’t just creating a new way forward for themselves; they were laying the foundation for hundreds of women just like them.

Beyond fair pay and job creation through the production of cotton batik clothing and recycled glass jewelry, Global Mamas aims to create a life of prosperity for African women and their families. They do this through personalized, hands-on programs that focus on financial well-being, good health, and happiness. 

We asked Kristin Johnson, co-founder of Global Mamas, how she has seen fair trade partnerships shape the lives of the women she works with. “One of the main fair trade principles is to build and sustain long-term partnerships,” she wrote.

“Latitudes is one of the best fair traders out there in doing this, in my opinion. Even as trends and the desires of Latitudes customers have changed over the years, Latitudes has maintained their long-term partnership with Global Mamas. By being flexible with the products they source from us and also providing a lot of direct feedback on what their customers want to see.” 

She explains that long-term partnerships like these create an impact far beyond the workshop walls. “It is this kind of long-term partnership that we can rely on year after year, that enables the Mamas to invest in their children’s education over decades. First, the goal was to send ALL of their kids to school, then it was to invest in better schools, then it was to send them on to college."

Now, 25 years later, she says the founders are seeing the Mamas’ kids thrive as grown-ups with successful careers, including chemists, bankers, teachers, nurses, and more. Kristin adds, "We are so proud of this intergenerational impact!”

Every Global Mamas product supports their mission of gender equality, quality craftsmanship, and prosperity for the women of Africa. Be part of their story and bring home the work of a Global Mama today.

Written by Marketing & Communications Manager Emma Sue Larramore

 

FAQs

What is batik?

Batik is an ancient form of fabric art where hot wax is stamped or painted onto the fabric before it is dyed. This is known as resist-dye because the fabric will remain its original color only where the wax was applied to create a contrasting pattern. Batik is known for a “crackle” look from where dye gets in through the wax where it cracks naturally before being removed.

How does fair trade clothing support women in Ghana?

Each piece is handmade by a woman who is receiving a fair, livable wage, hands-on training, and community. The women are able to break cycles of poverty and create a stronger future for themselves and their families.

Is Global Mamas a fair trade brand?

Yes, they are verified by both the Fair Trade Federation and the World Fair Trade Organization. They follow strict regulations and guidelines for fair wages, safe working environment, sustainable materials, and absolutely no child or slave labor.