Our producers

Our approximately 60 producers are residents of the slums of Chennai. Most of these women are abandoned, physically disabled, or ill, and their circumstances make it very difficult for them to find adequately paid work on the local job market.

We work with a local NGO certified by the World Fair Trade Organization. This means the women are paid fairly for their work and work under good conditions. They can take their work home with them so they can look after their children when they come home from school. The wages can be held until the bills are due at the end of the month, ensuring, for example, that an alcoholic husband cannot access the money.

The women's children are supported by an education fund, enabling them to attend a good, English-language school up to the 12th grade. The women receive support covering school fees, as well as the costs of school uniforms and books. After school, they have the option of applying for a low-interest student loan to finance their university studies.

Education is the only way for children to break the cycle of poverty. That's why 10% of Madras Carry's revenue goes into this education fund.

Incidentally, our female producers give their names to our bag and basket models.