An independent study course, co-taught by Dr. Noha Shawki in Politics and Government, and Elisabeth Reed, director of the Office of Sustainability, recently took students on a tour to Kathmandu, Nepal to explore the real-world impact of Fair Trade practices along with global justice and sustainable development issues. Designed to provide a deeper understanding of sustainable trade and social enterprise, the course combined extensive research and reading with a hands-on, immersive experience in Nepal, where students visited several key Fair Trade producers and witnessed the tangible effects of ethical commerce on local communities.
Fair Trade is a global movement aimed at creating a more equitable trading system by ensuring that producers in developing countries receive fair wages, work in safe conditions, and benefit from environmentally sustainable practices. It emphasizes the empowerment of marginalized groups, especially women, by offering them opportunities to participate in global markets on just and equitable terms. The core values of Fair Trade include transparency, fair pricing, long-term partnerships, and community development. By supporting Fair Trade, consumers can help break cycles of poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainability in production processes across various industries, such as agriculture, crafts, and textiles.
The course, which involved multiple preparatory meetings and discussions, equipped students with the knowledge to critically engage with the Fair Trade movement before embarking on their journey. They explored the theoretical and practical aspects of Fair Trade, studying its role in empowering marginalized groups, supporting sustainable development, and preserving traditional craftsmanship. The trip itself was inspired by the transformative story of Nasreen Sheikh, a former victim of forced labor who is now an outspoken global advocate for ending slavery, speaking at the ISU Earth Day Breakfast in April 2023. Sheikh’s journey served as a powerful foundation for the study tour, highlighting the real-world relevance of Fair Trade in combating exploitation and promoting social justice.
The ISU group’s visit to Kathmandu included stops at several prominent Fair Trade organizations that have made significant strides in creating sustainable livelihoods for artisans. One of the first stops was Local Women’s Handicraft and Empowerment Collective, a social enterprise founded by Sheikh herself, which empowers women by providing them with the tools to create and sell clothing, handbags, and accessories. Students had the opportunity to engage with the community of women and learn how this organization is helping to break cycles of poverty and exploitation.
The group visited several Fair Trade organizations and initiatives throughout Kathmandu, each focused on empowering local artisans and supporting sustainable practices. These included Mahaguthi Craft with Conscience, Sana Hastakala, Association for Craft Producers, Kumbeshwar Technical School, Fair Trade Group Nepal, Karma Coffee, Karnor Rug, and Label-Step. Each emphasized fair wages, safe working conditions, and environmental sustainability, while also playing a key role in preserving traditional skills and providing economic opportunities, particularly for women.
Beyond the educational visits, the students also experienced Nepal’s vibrant culture. They celebrated Holi, the festival of colors, explored centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist temples, and enjoyed traditional Nepali cuisine. The final days of the trip were spent at a sustainable retreat center on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where all meals were sourced from an organic garden. The retreat offered a unique opportunity for students to experience sustainable living practices while enjoying views of the Himalayas. This retreat was also the perfect setting to have a reflection session at the end of a whirlwind week of learning and engagement with critical global issues.
The independent study course, which combined academic research with experiential learning, emphasized the far-reaching impact of consumer choices in the global economy. As one student reflected, “This trip has shown me how much power we have as consumers to either perpetuate exploitation or support ethical and sustainable practices.”
This program was co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability and the Department of Politics and Government.
