10 Products Made By Survivors of Human Trafficking That Support Their New Life
*This post was sponsored by To the Market, I was compensated but didn't receive product for this post. Thank you for supporting the brands that support SL&Co, but more than that, make a real difference in the lives of victims of trafficking*
It's Dressember day three, and fittingly, it's also International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.
Slavery is far from abolished. In fact, there are 30 million people worldwide trapped in some kind of slavery. That is more than any other time period in history. 55% of modern day slaves are women and children and 45% are men and boys. 26% of them are children under 18 years old.
These stats seem hopeless, but luckily, there are many organizations working night and day to abolish slavery, both overseas and in your back yard.
It can feel like there's nothing you can do, but supporting the brands who employ survivors and aid in rescuing those still enslaved is a small, but highly effective way to join in the fight. Each one of the products included on this list were made by a survivor of trafficking or someone who is at risk for being trafficked. Each product provides sustainable income, a safe workplace, and care as the men and women transition back into the "real world".
Voting with your dollars is one of the easiest ways to take a stand and shopping with brands like To the Market and the others in this list makes a difference on so many levels.
1. Handmade Soy Candle || To the Market
Sold by To the Market (the sponsor of this post), these handmade soy candles are made by White Field Farm, a natural skincare brand that employs survivors of human trafficking.
Buy it here: Jasmine Soy Wax Candle ($25)
2. Peplum Tee || Elegantees
Sewn by survivors of sexual exploitation in Nepal, Elegantees sells the most beautiful, feminine designs, like this Julia peplum tee in ginger.
Buy it here: Julia Peplum Tee ($46)
3. Relaxation Gift Basket || Thistle Farms
Thistle Farms give safe, fair employment to survivors of trafficking in Nashville, TN. This gift basket is one of many beautiful products that would be perfect for the holidays.
Buy it here: Relaxation Gift Basket ($63)
4. Robe + Short Holiday Set || Sudara
One of my very favorite brands ever, Sudara is a Certified B-Corp helping to rescue enslaved and at risk women from sex slavery. They're making a profound impact, and their pieces are stunning and well made.
Buy it here: Dhana Holiday Set ($98)
5. Makeup Bag || To the Market
Made by at-risk and previously rescued women in Kolkata, India, the women who sew Freeset's products, another vendor from To the Market are paid more than twice the going rate for a similar job elsewhere.
Buy it here: Flamingo Makeup Bag ($22)
6. Christmas Stocking || Sari Bari
Looking for a Christmas sticking with an impact? Sari Bari is an incredible company that makes products out of upcycled saris made by women working to overcome a history in the sex trade.
Buy it here: Christmas Stocking ($40)
7. Holiday Card || Good Paper
There's nothing more practical (and punny) than a good Christmas card. Good Paper employs survivors of trafficking in the Philippines, teaching them a trade and allowing them to support themselves.
Buy it here: Winter is Coming card ($6)
8. Aria Ring || Purpose Jewelry
The jewelry line behind the non-profit I Sanctuary, Purpose Jewelry employs women escaping sex slavery. More than just teaching them a skill, I Sanctuary gives women and girls medical assistance, education, life skills, job training, and counselling.
Buy it here: Aria Ring ($26)
9. Handmade Coasters || Freeleaf
Freeleaf provides holistic care for women escaping trafficking in Asia. All of their products are handmade, using a single strand of cord, symbolizing the potential of a life being shaped into something new.
Buy it now: Handmade coasters ($28)
10. Zuri Snow Scarf || Blue Meets Blue
Blue Meets Blue is an incredible organization employing refugee women in the states. Refugees are highly at risk for trafficking, and businesses like Blue Meets Blue provide them a safe alternative.
Buy it now: Zuri Snow Scarf ($60)
