World Fair Trade Day

Disha Bhattacharyya
Dec 22, 2023 By Disha Bhattacharyya
Originally Published on Feb 04, 2022
Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag
Read about World Fair Trade Day celebrated on March 14.

Where is World Fair Trade Day observed?

World Fair Trade Day is a global movement to improve workers' working conditions and lives, especially in developing countries.

Who is World Fair Trade Day observed by?

 Citizens who believe in the significance of an ethical world and want decent working benefits and pay for everyone, no matter which country they live in, honor this global holiday.

When did World Fair Trade Day first start?

The day was first observed on May 4, 2002, by World Trade Fair Organization to encourage fair trade and stop the exploitation of workers in developing nations. It is celebrated on the second Saturday of May every year.

Who started World Fair Trade Day?

World Fair Trade Day was created by the World Trade Fair Organization. The World Fair Trade Organization is a global association promoting fair trade standards since 1989. This day was first observed in 2002. Since then, the movement has spread and has become vital in asserting the right working environment in all communities.

History And Timeline

Let's discover the history and origin of this day!

First Instance Of Fair Trade

The first fair trade happened in 1946 when Edna Ruth Byler started buying needlework from women in Puerto Rico to benefit the workers of this poor community. In no time, 10,000 villages were set up in North America for manufacturing fair trade goods and became America's first fair trade organization.

1946

World's First Fair Trade Shop

UN Conference on Aid and Development talked about the need for providing sustainable livelihoods to farmers and other low-income artisans in 1968. In 1969, Oxfam opened the world's first craft shop in the Netherlands to the better lives and working conditions of producers in developing economies.

1969

Max Havelaar, The First Certification System

Farmers and activists of the Netherlands supported the Fair Trade Movement by introducing the first certification system for fair trade products, called Max Havelaar. Max Havelaar is a fair trade label stitched on fair trade products to improve the living conditions of poor farmers and agricultural workers in third-world countries.

1988

Fair Trade Federation

The first network of fair trade organizations was established in North America in 1994 to ensure the smooth running of fair trade policies and world events.

1994

Support Of Consumers

In 2010, the Fair Trade Movement received support from the consumers with the Organic Consumers Association's Fair World Project. The aim is to promote a sustainable future and the well-being of the workers part of the movement.

2010

Traditions And Customs

The day is a celebration of the success of the long Fair Trade Movement and should be observed by everyone believing in a fair and just world. An important tradition is beating drums at the start of this day.

Make sure to participate in this activity to make the day cheerful and fun! Carnivals are organized in most parts of the world, involving food and art and serving as a colorful and happy way to raise awareness about the movement.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate World Fair Trade Day

This holiday is observed in most countries worldwide, and various events are held to support the local producers and small businesses. Start the day by researching the history of this day, which is long and gruesome.

You will be shocked to find how people were forced to live and work in certain parts of the world and will be ever thankful for the privileges you get to enjoy.

Raise consciousness among your family and friends about the importance of fair trade, and vow to buy only fair trade products! Visit fair trade fairs on this day and enjoy food and handicrafts made by local producers worldwide. Lastly, you can offer to volunteer in any fair trade organization and be a part of this very successful movement!

Facts And Stats

  • In the early days, fair trade products were mostly handicrafts and were the only source of income in families run by women. This day ensures that we remember their hardships and ensure equality for them.
  • In 1973, at least 30 years before World Fair Trade Day was recognized, the Netherlands imported coffee from poor farmers of Guatemala, which became the world's first fairly traded coffee!
  • The World Fair Trade Organization celebrates the day in a grand way to spread the message! They operate in over 70 countries and has 324 organizations under its umbrella.

How do we celebrate Fair Trade Day?

Celebrate by buying fair trade products, visiting a fair, and raising awareness among people!

Why do we celebrate Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is extremely important because every worker gets decent pay and their families live a healthier life. This practice creates a better world and benefits the planet.

What is the significance of World Fair Trade Day?

The day promotes a better working and living environment in developing countries.

How is World Fair Trade Day different from Equal Pay Day?

Equal Pay Day honors the need for equal pay for every worker, whereas fair trade promotes the importance of ethical trade to avoid discrimination.

How does this day affect people psychologically or emotionally?

Workers can lead better lives and have a healthier lifestyle. This can have a positive impact on their well-being.

What is special about World Fair Trade Day?

The day promotes ethical trade, which is essential to build a better world.

What is the history and origin of World Fair Trade Day?

This day was first observed by the World Fair Trade 

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Saturday, May 09, 2020
  • Saturday, May 08, 2021
  • Saturday, May 14, 2022
  • Saturday, May 13, 2023
  • Saturday, May 11, 2024

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Sources

https://wfto.com/about-us/history-wfto/history-fair-trade

https://wfto.com/sites/default/files/Ideas for WFTDay events.pdf

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/fair-trade-day/

https://fairworldproject.org/get-informed/movements/fair-trade/history/

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Written by Disha Bhattacharyya

Bachelor of Pharmacy

Disha Bhattacharyya picture

Disha BhattacharyyaBachelor of Pharmacy

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy from West Bengal University of Technology and a medical-writing accreditation from Stanford University. Disha is an experienced SEO writer with a passion for writing about science and psychology. Her prior work experience as a content writer has equipped her with the necessary skills to write engaging and informative content. Disha is known for her versatility and thorough research skills. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, dancing, and writing mental health journals on her blog.

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Fact-checked by Sudeshna Nag

Master of Arts specializing in History

Sudeshna Nag picture

Sudeshna NagMaster of Arts specializing in History

Having earned a Master's degree in History from the Presidency University in Kolkata, Sudeshna was able to refine these skills and broaden her knowledge base. Not only is she an accomplished fact-checker, but she is also deeply invested in gender research, societal interactions, and mental health. Her professional repertoire also includes experience in translation between Bengali and English content

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