How You Can Buy The Change In The Fight Against Human Trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. With an estimated 40 million people around the world being trafficked, human trafficking is a global epidemic we simply can't afford to ignore. Fortunately, a series of bold businesses are making major moves to fight human trafficking and meaningfully impact survivors' lives. At TO THE MARKET, we're so proud to work with companies and organizations with these values. Below are a few of our favorites. By supporting them, you can take a step toward buying the change you want to see in the world.

The Loyal Workshop

The Loyal Workshop employs female artisans in Kolkata who have survived human trafficking, poverty, and modern-day slavery. The company is located in one of the city’s largest red-light district, providing alternative employment and a beacon of opportunity to women trapped in the sex trade. The Loyal Workshop’s founders put it best when they say: “We believe that another world is possible; a world where sex slavery is relegated to the history books. It’s a brazen dream but we’re putting it into action in one city, in one red-light community, with one woman at a time.”

Shop The Loyal Workshop’s quality leather goods like bags, wallets, and belts.

Sewing New Futures

Sewing New Futures hires women in Northern India who are part of a community that has traditionally been involved in sex work. The community SNF works with is part of a caste that is historically unable to work traditional jobs.

The community survives by turning to the sex trade. At a young age, girls are married against their will and forced into prostitution. With Sewing New Futures, women in the community who have survived or evaded sex trafficking are given work as artisans and makers to break the family cycle. SNF provides each employee with health benefits, childcare, and educational opportunities to keep growing their skills. This paves the way for them to build a sustainable life and pave a better life for future generations.

Shop Sewing New Futures’ hair accessories, pouches, and scarves.

Anchal Project

Named after the edge of a sari used to offer comfort, the Anchal Project uses design to change the lives of women in India who are at risk of exploitation. Anchal provides training and employment opportunities to creative artisans. Women employed by Anchal receive health benefits, design skills education, and a supportive environment that can help get their creations on the worldwide market.

From vintage creations using upcycled saris to modern goods created from 100% organic cotton, Anchal’s textiles are impactful and beautiful.

Shop Anchal Project’s scarves, pillows, and bags.

Mulxiply

Mulxiply’s products are designed in Maine and made at a fair wage by artisans in Nepal. With half of the Nepalese population living below the poverty line and low employment rates, many Nepalese men must move abroad to make a living for their families in what is often modern-day indentured servitude. This leaves their wives and children vulnerable to human traffickers back home, and local institutional norms often provide a foundation for discrimination against women. Work provided by Mulxiply offers men and women the opportunity to earn a living wage while staying together with their families.

Shop Mulxiply’s handcrafted toys and jewelry.

White Field Farm

White Field Farm is run by a community of Greek Orthodox nuns with a powerful mission: to provide female abuse survivors a safe, loving, and supportive work environment. A positive place to heal and make an income can make all the difference for survivors who are trying to get back on their feet. At White Field farm, survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and trauma can develop job skills and safely earn a living making all-natural beauty products and candles.

Shop White Field Farm’s all-natural beauty products and candles.