Various bags and baskets by Maison Bengal Ltd
Fair trade products from Bangladesh
Prices: from £10 - £120
Selling fair trade hand made products from Bangladesh, Maison Bengal works with NGO's who provide training to rural women in handicraft production. Using a wealth of readily available natural materials their products aim to blend traditional artisanal skills with contemporary design.
Maison Bengal was established in 2004 by Sheenagh Day whose vision was to improve the lives of some of the poorest people in Bangladesh by developing an international demand for their eco-friendly and fairly traded products. The communities benefitting from Sheenagh’s work face a host of difficult living conditions including annual monsoon, a lack of electricity, running water and infrastructure. The organisation works closely with both their development partners and their buyers to ensure regular orders throughout the year.
The project works mainly with women living in rural areas who need to stay at home to look after their children. Having had little schooling themselves, they know all too well the opportunities it may provide to their children. One of the women, Pashful ('Five flowers') saved enough money to send her daughter to university in Dhaka to study law. She is the first young woman in her village to go to university and although initially reluctant, her father is now supportive of his inspiring daughter. World Land Trust is delighted to promote these attractive fair trade products in its gallery.