Spring Update
Label STEP
Label STEP is the fair trade non-profit organization committed to the wellbeing of handmade carpet weavers and workers.
Label STEP has had an exciting start to 2024. We've celebrated the?many achievements of our Partners?at industry design and trade shows internationally. We've shared?a close look at the vital role of auditors?in the making of fair trade carpets and have?uplifted the voices of women?leading the way in the handmade carpet industry. In April, we conducted our?annual international meeting in Türkiye, where we had the chance to spend some quality time with local weavers. As always, we've continued working toward empowering as many weavers as possible through initiatives tailored to their communities. STEP is looking forward to sharing more stories about weavers, rug-making process, and the growth of the fair trade movement in the months to come.
Women Leading the Way
A change is underway in the handmade carpet industry. We?spoke with some of the women leading the way?– all Label STEP Certified Partners – to learn about their experiences in the industry and why they think women are essential to forming the most holistic and sustainable future.?
“I think it’s very important for women to be in leadership roles in all industries. It is just the most empowering message for all women from all countries that we can succeed in the rug industry regardless of the challenges we face." Bonnie Sutton, Knots Rugs
“I personally have come across many pioneering women who have paved the way for the next generation, shown us what's possible, and continue to make space for other women. Their vision, creativity, and drive have spurred a refreshing shift towards creating a more dynamic and inclusive environment that continues to inspire.” Jennifer Samad, SAMAD
For more of our Partners' insights, read:
NEWS
Label STEP hosted its annual international meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye this April. Members of our teams took the opportunity to visit with the weavers of the Kirkit Rugs workshop in U?ak as well as at several rural workshops throughout the Kütahya and Manisa provinces.
?The?rug industry has?evolved over time, but for weavers in production countries, more change is needed.?COVER Magazine's Lucy Upward hears from two women who are Label STEP’s Country Representatives in Pakistan and Nepal.
领英推荐
?At the heart of STEP's mission is its auditors, diligent professionals ensuring and supporting the implementation of the standards through audits and workshops. These individuals are vital to contributing to the adherence to ethical practices in the industry at large.
A change is underway in the handmade carpet industry. The historically male-dominated field is seeing more women step into leadership roles, and with them comes a fresh perspective?that is?slowly reshaping the landscape.
New STEP Certified Partners
We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the Partners who recently joined us: ?
Pelican House, UK
Wild Heart Free Soul , Germany
Sumaq Alpaca Rugs, Canada/Peru
Partner Tip: Affix the STEP logo?to your carpet label, website or your showroom window.? Email us?for high resolution logos, images and guidelines.?Partner FAQ.
Label STEP is the fair trade non-profit organization committed to the wellbeing of weavers and workers in the handmade carpet industry.