Key Youth and Gender Programs and Projects

• Youth and Women Engagement and Leadership Programs

  Youth and Women Engagement and Leadership Programs

  Fairtrade NAPP organizes various training programs and workshops that foster leadership skills in both youth and women to take on active roles in shaping the future of their communities. Through leadership training, we not only build the capacity of youth and women to lead but also promote gender inclusivity in governance, ensuring their voices are integral to the future development of their organizations.

  Through our Gender Leadership Schools (GLS), we offer comprehensive gender-sensitive training to both men and women. The training is aimed at fostering gender awareness and empowering women to assume leadership roles within their communities and organizations, while also promoting an inclusive environment where both genders actively contribute to creating equitable and sustainable change. Today we have established Gender Leadership schools across all 04 regions of Asia -Pacific: South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Pacific.

  • Key Focus Areas: Leadership, Gender and Youth Inclusivity, Inclusive Governance, Gender Equity, Decision Making, Gender Leadership School
• Developing Country-Focused Youth and Women-Led Strategies

  Developing Country-Focused Youth and Women-Led Strategies

  Fairtrade NAPP empowers youth and women to create country-specific strategies by conducting needs assessments, planning, and developing proposals. We offer training in research methodologies and data collection, encouraging gender leaders and youth to take ownership of their strategies and align them with global Fairtrade goals. These strategies ensure that local challenges are addressed through sustainable and inclusive programs that involve women, youth, marginalized groups, and the wider community.

  • Key Focus Areas: Strategy ownership, Need assessment, community development, Strategy Planning & Implementation
• Targeted Capacity Building Training on Skill Development, Market access and Agri preneurship:

  Targeted Capacity Building Training on Skill Development, Market access and Agri preneurship:

  We support a range of educational initiatives and skill development programs to equip women and youth with essential skills in e-commerce, modern agricultural practices, digital marketing, agri-business, entrepreneurship, and climate resilience. By focusing on these key areas, we help youth and women navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace and enhance their participation in the global economy. Special emphasis is placed on providing platforms for youth and women to represent Fairtrade NAPP at global and regional trade fairs, showcasing their products and expanding market reach.

  Our initiatives also promote income diversification, offering training in value-added product creation, digital marketing, and accessing new markets. Through a strong focus on sustainable agriculture, we support young farmers and women in securing stable livelihoods and building resilience against climate change and market volatility. Additionally, we facilitate access to learning resources, laying the foundation for sustainable careers in agriculture and enabling participants to thrive in an ever-evolving industry.

  Our Youth Knowledge Hub (YKH) is a dynamic platform designed to empower young farmers and producers by providing access to valuable knowledge, training, and resources. Through this platform, we support young people in connecting, collaborating, and exchanging ideas with peers across regions, creating a community that drives innovation and advocates for ethical trade. By equipping youth and women with the tools to succeed, the Youth Knowledge Hub is shaping the next generation of leaders in sustainable agriculture and fair trade.

  To support GLS participants to take on Leadership and Management roles in their communities, organizations, and households, Small Entrepreneurships Projects (GLS Mini Projects) were supported through the GLS Platform such as vocational and skill training, making handicrafts, mushroom cultivation etc. More than 15 Producer organisations were part of the project across 09 countries in Asia-Pacific. 

  • Key Focus Areas: Agribusiness, Agri-Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, Skill Development, Value Addition,  Income Diversification, Sustainable Farming, Climate Resilience, Knowledge sharing and collaboration. 
• Building the Next-Gen Fairtrade Leadership and Advocates

  Building the Next-Gen Fairtrade Leadership and Advocates

  Our gender and youth programs are designed to nurture the next generation of leaders and advocates of Fairtrade and Fairtrade NAPP who will continue to drive positive change in their communities and across the supply chain. Youth and women are actively engaged in our advocacy initiatives aimed at raising awareness about Fairtrade principles and the importance of ethical consumption. They play a key role in spearheading digital campaigns such as International Women’s Day and Youth Day, using these platforms to promote gender equality, sustainability, and the benefits of Fairtrade within their communities and beyond.

  In addition, they are equipped with language guides and communication training to effectively convey Fairtrade practices, empowering them to become influential storytellers who can articulate the values of ethical trade and inspire others to take action for a fairer, more sustainable world.

  The Fairtrade Ambassador Program provides comprehensive training in public speaking, writing, and participating in global and regional appearances to promote the impact of Fairtrade and raise awareness about the importance of sustainable and ethical trade.

  • Key Focus Areas: Advocacy, Campaign, Communication and Language Skills, Next gen advocates, Awareness, Global and Regional representation. 
• Community-Based Monitoring and Remediation

  Community-Based Monitoring and Remediation

  Fairtrade NAPP provides targeted training to youth and women on child labour, labour rights, and ethical working standards, empowering them to take active roles in safeguarding their communities. The training equips participants with knowledge of international labour laws, Fairtrade standards, and strategies to identify and prevent issues like child labour, forced labour, and unfair treatment in the workplace. By focusing on these groups, Fairtrade NAPP ensures that both youth and women are empowered to lead efforts in monitoring and addressing labour rights violations within their cooperatives.

  One of our standout initiatives is the Youth-Inclusive Community-Based Monitoring and Remediation (YICBMR) Project that  addresses child labour and labour rights violations within Fairtrade-certified supply chains through a community-driven approach. It engages youth from farming communities in monitoring and reporting child labour, forced labour, and gender-based violence, empowering them to take action and become leaders in promoting ethical practices. Youth are trained to identify violations, ensuring swift intervention and the implementation of corrective measures.

  Developed with child rights organizations, farmers, and community members, the project focuses on community engagement, awareness, and remediation. Fairtrade NAPP trains local youth on child labour laws and Fairtrade standards, creating a shared responsibility for ethical practices. When violations are detected, remediation strategies are implemented, removing children from hazardous work and ensuring access to education. This approach promotes a culture of vigilance and compliance with Fairtrade standards across regions.

  • Key Focus Areas: Community-Based Monitoring, Remediation and Support
• Networking and Exchange Programs

  Networking and Exchange Programs

  Fairtrade NAPP organizes exchange programs that allow youth and women to connect with peers from other regions, share experiences, and learn from each other. These opportunities help build solidarity among Fairtrade producers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

  The Fairtrade NAPP Regional Youth Convention brings together young people from across Asia-Pacific region, providing them with a platform to exchange experiences, draw inspiration from peers, and acquire valuable knowledge. This knowledge is then disseminated within their communities and at the producer level, fostering growth and innovation across the region. 

  In 2023 the Convention brought together 40 young Fairtrade leaders from the NAPP region including external experts and practitioners to discuss key challenges faced by young people in rural communities. 

  • Key Focus Areas: Exchange Program, Knowledge sharing, Peer learning, Community Collaboration