City’s first ethical trade fair promotes livelihood for rural women

Nathan Zhang, founder of charity shop Brandnu, is organizing the city's first ethical trade fair next Saturday. Photo provided by Nathan Zhang

By Wang Yu

Beijing’s first ethical trade fair next Saturday will showcase artisan goods and handicrafts to promote sustainable livelihood for rural women. Manufacturers include Shangrila Farms and Baihua cooperative.

The fair, to be held in Wudaoying Hutong, will also gather artisans, NGO representatives and entrepreneurs to learn about ethical trade in the country. Guest speakers include Wu Qing, a women’s rights activist and recipient of the 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, who will discuss the challenges and achievements of social enterprise in China.

The event will also feature exhibitions by ethical trade producers, short videos and live music.

It is being organized by charity shop Brandnü to celebrate its first anniversary. The shop, founded by Chinese Canadian Nathan Zhang, sells ethically sourced and eco-friendly goods from artisan groups and Chinese NGOs. It also promotes partnerships between urban designers and rural artisans working with NGOs.

The majority of Brandnü artisans are female, disabled or unemployed. A portion of the shop’s income is donated to Rural Women, a local women’s development organization.

“If you can help one woman, you can help an entire family,” said Zhang, who returned to China after 10 years in Canada to get involved in social development work. “This ethical trade fair aims to support the growth of sustainable enterprises led by rural Chinese women.”

Zhang and business partners Plastered 8 T-shirts and JLJ Group have supported a variety of charity projects in the past year, including the construction of two rural Beijing libraries and an exhibition of artwork by residents of Beijing Huiling Community, a home for children with learning disabilities.

Brandnü ethical trade fair
Where: Argo Greek Restaurant (Rooftop Terrace), 59 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District
When: July 10, 1-5 pm
Tel: 15011153421