Ensures fair living wage for producers
Discloses the community being impacted
Reduces the environmental impact
Focusses on women producers
Created using handcrafted methods
Reduces/Reuses/
Recycles resources
Recycles resources
Made out of responsible materials
Avoids use of chemicals or toxic materials
Biodegradable or environment friendly
Based in the heart of one of Kolkata’s largest red light areas The Loyal Workshop exists to provide alternative employment to women trapped in the exploitative sex trade. Through making beautiful eco-tanned, handstitched leather pieces their courageous artisans have come to experience freedom, dignity and respect.
Purpose
The Loyal Workshop exists to offer alternative employment to women trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade. Modern day slavery is a phenomenon that they are not prepared to be apathetic about. They believe that another world is possible; one where sex slavery is relegated to the history books.
People
The artisans are women from backgrounds of poverty, each with their own story of trauma and oppression: sold, stolen, trafficked and forced against their will into the sex trade. Without prospect of finding alternative employment, they were trapped. Through their employment at The Loyal Workshop the artisans first and foremost receive dignified employment, creating beautiful leather goods with their own hands. They offer all our staff a living wage, numeracy and literacy training, social and medical support and group therapy.
Planet
The leather is eco-tanned meaning that no harmful metals or chemicals are utilised in the tanning process. This is far better than mainstream chromium alternatives which are bad for soil, waterways and people working in the tanning industry. The majority of the raw materials including leather and hardware are sourced locally. The products are constructed with longevity in mind so that you can be assured of buying once and buying well without the item needing to end up in landfill.
