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In 2020, the world woke up to a devastating pandemic, COVID-19. The pandemic has brought a very turbulent time. It swept across the globe killing millions and crushing the global economy. The fair trade movement is shaken by the pandemic. As production and trade are halted in many countries, fair trade enterprises are stumbling to support their workers and artisans.
The global fashion economy has witnessed a severe shock that will have its long-lasting repercussions. As the production is halted, fashion brands are unable to pay the workers and artisans. Millions of workers across the globe have lost their jobs completely. According to several reports, major fashion brands and retailers are canceling their orders, withholding the payment of the orders that are already placed. This has lead to the pilling of finished products and the complete helplessness of the most vulnerable set of people in the supply chain. Their job although done, yet there is no payment.
The impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy is beyond estimate. A million affected but more are jobless right now. Poverty is a killer, it's like an unending loop, a bootstrap paradox of misery. At this stage, the workers or artisans who have lost their job are very unlikely to get a new one soon. Thousands of workers across the globe are being laid off without payments for months.
Several responsible brands are of course taking necessary action to support their workers, but there is a requirement of a global fashion revolution, an awareness that can help those people who have been making our clothes for years. This unified socio-economic initiative can save a lot of artisans, workers, craftsmen from dying in poverty.
Deshaj has been a responsible brand promoting sustainable fashion for years. We are primarily an artisan led brand which relies on its workers who happen to be primarily the tribal women. We have been working for empowering these socially as well as economically backward people. This pandemic has snatched their livelihood, their primary source of income. We are trying to build an alternative plan for our workers. The pandemic has taught us to live together sustainably, supporting each other. We should promote an eco-friendly lifestyle more, starting from our clothes to our food.
We are opting for a more indigenous approach for our future endeavors. Our sole concern is the workers, the trained artisans—THE HANDS OF BENGAL, people who been instrumental in building this brand for years. The skilled artisans who bring the perfect finish to our fabrics.
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