Empowering Artisans,
Building Dignity,
Creating Sustainable Futures
Equitable Marketing Association (EMA) is one of the pioneer Fair Trade Organisations in India, uplifting artisans, women and marginalized communities through ethical business practices.
One of the Pioneer of Fair Trade in India.
Equitable Marketing Association.
One of the Pioneer of Fair Trade in India.
Associated with Fair & Ethical business since its inception.
Equitable Marketing Association (EMA) established in 1977, prefers to introduce itself as a catalyst for promoting socio-economic justice. EMA is registered under West Bengal Registration of Societies Act.
EMA’s chief concern has always been to uplift the economically economically backward, physically handicapped, destitute women, especially the minority communities.
EMA having its own development center and Producers units which is scattered throughout India.
EMA not only giving the poor artisans and employees a fair livelihood, but also showcased their talent and craftsmanship internationally, which ultimately helped them to earn their well-deserved dignity.
EMA has been recognized internationally for promoting social, economical and environmental justice through Fair Trade.
WFTO Guaranteed
Fair Trade
EMA became a WFTO Guaranteed Fair Trade Organisation in 2015 and continues to maintain excellent compliance and audit records.
50
Years Experience
54
Corporate and Individual Member
81
Staff Member
8
Artisan Member
10+
Countries Served
Our Vision
The opportunities for a Fair Trade Organization are ever-expanding. Our vision is to contribute in a major way to the betterment of the underprivileged and the marginalized, the more the better. In the 47 years since inception, EMA has done progressively well, but does not believe in resting on its oars. To further expand the Fair Trade business our efforts are in full swing to make an upward shift.
Today, Fair Trade businesses occupy not a huge part in Indian Market. We want to fill the lacuna here and thereby elevate Fair Trade business to its much deserved level. Our work so far gives us the confidence and zeal to surge ahead, expand our workforce and develop a wider section of the underprivileged and the marginalized.
Our Mission
Since its inception in 1977, EMA has grown substantially and rapidly. It has been able to make a huge difference in the lives of the underprivileged artisans, and other producers and staff. We are proud of that -- and so are they, now with a new sense of empowerment, economic stability and the right to dignity. We at EMA do not believe in being satisfied in our mission. We are committed to grow and expand continually for the betterment of society and all concerned, particularly the underprivileged, the marginalized, the minority groups, destitute women and the physically challenged.
That is why we at EMA have now ventured into the domestic market, and hopefully initiate E-Commerce as soon as possible. This will provide EMA a stronger identity to its already formidable reputation as an organization adhering to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade as laid down by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).
We will continue to make a difference to the economic and social justice, nationally and internationally, empowering our producers to live with dignity.
A Legacy Of Fair Trade
Foundation
EMA was established by seven cooperatives and social activists to create fair opportunities for artisans.
Export Growth
Expanded export operations across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and America.
WFTO Certified
Achieved WFTO Guaranteed Fair Trade recognition with excellent audit performance.
E-Commerce Expansion
Growing Fair Trade business into the domestic market and digital commerce.
Principles of Fair Trade
EMA follows and promotes the internationally recognized Fair Trade principles laid down by the World Fair Trade Organization.
01. Creating Opportunities For Economically Marginalised Producers
Poverty reduction through trade forms a key part of the organisation’s aim. The organisation supports marginalised small producers, whether these are independent family businesses, or grouped in associations or co-operatives. Our objective is to Lift these vulnerable, small-scale producers out of poverty by connecting them directly with international and domestic markets.
02. Transparency And Accountability
We believe trade relationships are built on openness, mutual respect, and clear communication across the entire supply chain to ensure accountability. We are transparent with our management and commercial relations. We are accountable to all our stakeholders and respects the sensitivity and confidentiality of commercial information supplied. The organisation finds appropriate, participatory ways to involve employees, members and producers in its decision-making processes.
03. Fair Trading Practices
Fair Trade buyers, recognising the financial disadvantages faced by Producers and Suppliers of Fair-Trade products, ensure orders are paid on receipt of documents or as mutually agreed. For Handicraft FT products, an interest free pre-payment of at least 50 % is made on request. (Not from all). When we receive a pre-payment from buyers, we ensure that this payment is passed on to the producers to make their Fair-Trade products. Buyers consult with us before cancelling or rejecting orders. Where orders are cancelled through no fault of producers or suppliers, adequate compensation is guaranteed for work already done. The organisation maintains long term relationships based on solidarity, trust and mutual respect that contribute to the promotion and growth of Fair Trade. We are having a strong communication with our trading partners.
04. Fair Payment
Fair payment is one that has been mutually negotiated and agreed by all through on-going dialogue and participation, which provides fair pay to the producers and can also be sustained by the market, equal pay for equal work by women and men. The aim is always the payment of a Local Living Wage. Depends upon the price we are getting from the buyer. Fair Payment is made up of Fair wages.
05. Ensuring No Child Labour And Forced Labour
Strict adherence to international labour standards, prohibiting the exploitation of children and ensuring all work is completely voluntary. The organisation ensures that there is no forced labour in its workforce and / or members or homeworkers. EMA strictly prohibit any child labour in its entire supply chain. Any involvement of children in the production of Fair-Trade products (including learning a traditional art or craft) is always disclosed and monitored and does not adversely affect the children’s well-being, security, educational requirements and need for play.
06. Commitment To Non-discrimination, Gender Equity And Women’s Economic Empowerment, And Freedom Of Association.
We Promotes equal pay for equal work, rejects discrimination based on race, caste, religion, or gender, and actively empowers women in the workplace. The organisation has a clear policy and plan to promote gender equality that ensures that women as well as men have the ability to gain access to the resources that they need to be productive and also the ability to influence the wider policy, regulatory, and institutional environment that shapes their livelihoods and lives. Organisational constitutions and by-laws allow for and enable women to become active members of the organisation in their own right (where it is a membership-based organisation), and to take up leadership positions in the governance structure. The organisation respects the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively. The organisation ensures that representatives of employees are not subject to discrimination in the workplace.
07. Safe Working Conditions
We are always ensuring healthy, safe, and dignified workplaces that comply with (or exceed) local and international health and safety regulations.
08. Providing Capacity Building
We always encourage to develop skills, production capabilities, and management practices to become self-reliant and independent. The organisation develops the skills and capabilities of its own employees as well as its producer’s unit.
09. Promoting Fair Trade
We raise awareness of Fair Trade and for greater justice in global trade through Fair Trade. It advocates for the objectives and activities of Fair Trade according to the scope of the organisation. The organisation provides its customers with information about itself, the products it markets, and the producer organisations or members that makes the products. Honest advertising and marketing techniques are always used.
10. Climate Action and Protection of the Environment
We support and practice production and trade activities that are natural, resource conserving, low-emitting, culturally sensitive, socially and economically viable. We work on adapting and building resilience to climate change and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of the operations. Where we work. Buyers and importers of Fair-Trade products and services support their supply chain partners in adopting practices and transport options that encourage sustainable development and protect our planet.
Transforming Lives Through Fair Trade
Women Empowerment
EMA creates opportunities for widows, divorcees, single mothers and women from conservative communities to earn with dignity and achieve financial independence.
Education Support
EMA conducts book distribution programs, scholarships and awareness campaigns encouraging education for rural children and girls.
Physically Challenged Artisans
EMA's candle unit is managed primarily by deaf and mute artisans, enabling them to lead independent and dignified lives.
Community Harmony
EMA promotes an inclusive environment where people from different religious and social backgrounds work together harmoniously.
Jinnat Rehana
“EMA has made a tangible contribution to my life. As an illiterate and unskilled woman, I had very few options. EMA gave me training, confidence and an opportunity to earn my livelihood with dignity.”
Respect For The Environment
Effluent Treatment Plant
Recycling wastewater from textile and leather production while protecting surrounding ecosystems.
Solar Water Heater
Reducing fuel consumption and minimizing environmental pollution.
Tree Plantation Program
Celebrating EMA Foundation Day through community tree plantation initiatives.
Beyond Fair Trade
<p>EMA continuously invests in people, communities and future generations.</p>
Book Distribution
Supporting rural students with educational materials and learning resources.
Scholarships
Encouraging students from underprivileged families to continue education.
Medical Support
Providing assistance and awareness programs for better community health.
Women Rights Awareness
Promoting dignity, equality and opportunities for women and girls.
Training For Sustainable Growth
EMA regularly conducts Fair Trade awareness programs, artisan development workshops, skill enhancement sessions and capacity building initiatives.
- Fair Trade Standards Training
- Artisan Skill Development
- Women Empowerment Workshops
- Producer Group Awareness Programs
Life At EMA
Supporting Communities.
Empowering Artisans.
Creating Futures.
For more than 50 years, EMA has been proving that ethical business can create meaningful change for artisans, women, physically challenged individuals and marginalized communities.