Our Story

We are a WFTO registered fair trade
enterprise based in
Saidpur, a city in the Northern
part of Bangladesh. We sell
natural products that improve lives!

Saidpur Enterprises: Weaving Hope

and Empowerment in Bangladesh

Born as a result of the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Saidpur Enterprises was established by MCC (Mennonite Central Committee an NGO) for the socially deprived non Bengali migrant community who had previously moved from Bihar,India for work in the railway sector of the then East Pakistan. This community became further displaced after the 1971 War of Liberation and lacked the opportunity of financial independence leaving them homeless and poverty stricken. MCC stepped in and they were offered livelihood, refuge and opportunity to live a respectable life. Action Bag,their first venture, stitched together not just jute bags, but a lifeline for destitute  women, primarily widows and heads of households. 

Fair trade principles ensure ethical practices, building a sustainable future for all. May your home brighten with the hope, beauty, and empowerment born in Saidpur, Bangladesh.

Empowering through fair wages and skills training, Saidpur has nurtured over 1500 artisans, weaving threads of hope into families. Their mission expands beyond products, transforming the community. Empowering women means empowered families, with children attending school in uniforms provided by Saidpur, their laughter echoing with a brighter future.

Sustainability flows through their veins, being members of WFTO and ECOTA, advocating fair trade for a just world. Saidpur Enterprises believe in giving back, supporting over 400 local students with school essentials.

More than a business, Saidpur is a movement. A democratic structure empowers artisans, giving them co-ownership and a voice. They create entrepreneurs, fostering self-sufficiency and dignity.

Our story is one of resilience and impact:

      • 1977: Action Bag born, stitching opportunity for Bihari women.
      • 1986: Eastern Screen Printers joins the fight, empowering women with printing skills.
      • 1991: Saidpur Enterprises takes flight, overseeing both venture

Today, Saidpur stands tall, a testament to the power of hope and purpose. By choosing Shokio, you become a part of their tapestry, where beauty meets impact, and every purchase echoes with the stories of empowered women and a thriving community.

Saidpur Enterprises: Weaving Hope

and Empowerment in Bangladesh

Born as a result of the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Saidpur Enterprises was established by MCC (Mennonite Central Committee an NGO) for the socially deprived non Bengali migrant community who had previously moved from Bihar,India for work in the railway sector of the then East Pakistan. This community became further displaced after the 1971 War of Liberation and lacked the opportunity of financial independence leaving them homeless and poverty stricken. MCC stepped in and they were offered livelihood, refuge and opportunity to live a respectable life. Action Bag,their first venture, stitched together not just jute bags, but a lifeline for destitute  women, primarily widows and heads of households. 

Fair trade principles ensure ethical practices, building a sustainable future for all. May your home brighten with the hope, beauty, and empowerment born in Saidpur, Bangladesh.

Empowering through fair wages and skills training, Saidpur has nurtured over 1500 artisans, weaving threads of hope into families. Their mission expands beyond products, transforming the community. Empowering women means empowered families, with children attending school in uniforms provided by Saidpur, their laughter echoing with a brighter future.

Sustainability flows through their veins, being members of WFTO and ECOTA, advocating fair trade for a just world. Saidpur Enterprises believe in giving back, supporting over 400 local students with school essentials.

More than a business, Saidpur is a movement. A democratic structure empowers artisans, giving them co-ownership and a voice. They create entrepreneurs, fostering self-sufficiency and dignity.

Our story is one of resilience and impact:

      • 1977: Action Bag born, stitching opportunity for Bihari women.
      • 1986: Eastern Screen Printers joins the fight, empowering women with printing skills.
      • 1991: Saidpur Enterprises takes flight, overseeing both venture

Today, Saidpur stands tall, a testament to the power of hope and purpose. By choosing Shokio, you become a part of their tapestry, where beauty meets impact, and every purchase echoes with the stories of empowered women and a thriving community.

OUR MISSION

PROVIDING FAIR JOBS TO WOMEN

We sell several handmade fair trade products, our best sellers are: jute shopping bags, jute-cotton handbags and screen printed jute paper gift cards. Our long term mission is to provide fair employment opportunities and business training for poor destitute rural women in Saidpur, particularly for those who are heads of households and/or are widows.

EMPOWERING ARTISANS

We are comprised of two sister organisations – Action Bag and East Screen Printers. Over the past three decades we have employed and supported over 1500 artisans in Saidpur, mostly women. We support our artisans in two ways: by paying them fairly and on time; and by building their capacities through different workshops and on the job training.

TRANSFORMING AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY

We are a vital part of the community in Saidpur as we empower the women in the area by providing them a chance to gain respect and to become self-sufficient. We believe that if the women are empowered, the community as a whole will be transformed and enjoy improved livelihoods. More income means better education, better food and peace in the households.

OUR VALUES

We believe that to break the cycle of poverty we need to provide those in need with sustainable livelihoods. As a member of the WFTO (the World Fair Trade Organization) and ECOTA (the national platform for fair trade in Bangladesh), we believe that through fair trade we can help achieve this goal.

FOCUSING ON EDUCATION

We also support the children in our community by providing uniforms, school supplies and bags each year to over 400 local students whose parents cannot afford to pay for such items. Without these items the children would not be able to attend school at all.

A DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURE

We also provide our artisans the chance to co-own and co-run the enterprise through the elected Producer Management Committee. We believe that in doing so we are empowering and dignifying artisans and other women in the community.

Our Ethical Commitment

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Sustainable Sourcing

We prioritize ethically sourced materials, ensuring our creations have a minimal environmental impact.

Fair Labor Practices

Our commitment extends to fair wages and safe working conditions for every artisan involved in crafting our products.

Eco-friendly Processes

We embrace eco-conscious methods, minimizing waste and reducing our carbon footprint throughout the production journey.

Community Support

We actively engage in community initiatives, fostering positive relationships and contributing to the well-being of their families.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Saidpur Enterprises is governed by a Board of Trustees who meet four times a year to discuss various issues, such as future policy and business strategy. For day to day decisions, Saidpur Enterprises is run by a General Manager who is held responsible by the Board of Trustees and the Producer Management Committee.

THE ARTISANS ARE IN CONTROL

The Producer Management Committee meets once a month and helps decide most of the enterprises’ business and policy decisions. Members of the Producer Management Committee are elected from amongst the producers, by the producers, to represent themselves.