Their words:
As professionals in the international development field, Catherine Lieber Shimony and Joan Shifrin traveled to impoverished areas around the globe to support community-based economic initiatives. Time and time again, they met dynamic women that were producing beautiful, handmade goods, yet lacked access to sustainable markets in which to sell their products. Catherine and Joan saw first-hand how women in marginalized communities throughout Asia, Africa, and the Americas were able to advance their families’ well-being only after their income was stabilized. In 2005, Catherine and Joan were inspired to found Global Goods Partners to create effective income-generation opportunities for women and their communities through access to the consumer market for handmade, fair trade products.
Fair Trade
Global Goods Partners offers a curated collection of fair trade products handmade by women artisans in more than 20 countries. We make it easy for you to improve women’s lives around the world and shop responsibly through our online store and fundraising programs. As a Fair Trade Federation member, we support sustainable community development by ensuring that the artisans making our products are paid fair living wages. By choosing to purchase from our community of artisans you’re helping to eradicate global poverty and promote social justice.Economic Opportunity Abroad
We work with more than 40 partners that collectively employ over 3,000 women in 20 countries across the globe. In the face of great challenges, women come together to support each other and their families by forming community-based organizations that collectively offer support and services ranging from healthcare, education for children, literacy programs for adults, sustainable agriculture practices, and human rights training, among other programs. Funded with proceeds from fair trade product sales, foundation support, and individual donations, Global Goods Partners provides product development, operational expertise, capacity-building grants, and technical assistance.Social Change at Home
In addition to our online store, we offer individuals, schools, organizations, and companies in the United States multiple ways to get involved. Our fundraising ,advocacy and grants programs allow you to learn about global poverty issues, promote social justice and fair trade, and improve communities in need around the world.
