How does the GoodWeave programme work? Based in Kathmandu, GoodWeave Certification Nepal and Nepal GoodWeave Foundation are local affiliates of GoodWeave International – a global nonprofit headquartered in Washington, DC founded in 1994 by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi to stop child labour in global supply chains. In Nepal, GoodWeave Certification Nepal and the Nepal GoodWeave Foundation, together carry out the GoodWeave System, a holistic, market-based approach that protects children and families, and addresses the root causes of child labour in the carpet industry. The model is also expanding to the home textile sector. GoodWeave Certification Nepal partners with local businesses exporting products for sale in the United States, Europe and other markets. GoodWeave Certification Nepal then conducts audits and random, unannounced inspections of exporters’ full supply chains, while also providing tools to businesses so they are in compliance with the GoodWeave Standard (which states no child, forced or bonded labour is allowed) and Nepali labour laws. With international buyers seeking further assurance against exploitation due to consumer pressure and increasing human rights due diligence legislation that requires full supply chain oversight and remediation, being part of the GoodWeave programme provides exporters with documentation to verify they are in compliance. Reinforcing the certification work, Nepal GoodWeave Foundation, implements social programmes that directly support families by enrolling children in school and engaging communities on topics such as workers’ rights, the importance of early childhood education and vocational training. When child labour is detected, remediation steps are individually tailored to the child. In some cases, children are reunited with their families and enrolled in public school. In other cases, alternative education programmes, such as Bridge Schools or skills-training programmes are options for older children. In cases where the child cannot return to their family, they may be enrolled at Hamro Ghar, GoodWeave’s home for children, which provides a safe place to live and learn. Children are provided counseling and are supported in the pursuit of secondary education or vocational training. Additionally, together with local education partners, GoodWeave supports two early childhood education centers in factory cluster areas in Kathmandu. These subsidized education centers provide a safe space where workers’ children can socialize, play, receive hot meals and prepare for primary school, putting them on track for learning and valuing education. Better Brick – Nepal GoodWeave also works in the brick sector through the Better Brick – Nepal (BBN) project. BBN is a multi-stakeholder initiative designed to transform the brick industry by addressing exploitative labour practices on brick kilns. Launched in 2014 by Humanity United in collaboration with GoodWeave International, Global Fairness Initiative and a coalition of Nepali NGOs, BBN has grown from five to 40 progressive brick kilns committed to eliminating child, forced and bonded labour and creating decent working conditions for brick kilns workers throughout Nepal. In 2021, 90% of programme kilns were verified as free of child labour. Get Involved GoodWeave supports Nepal’s commitment as a pathfinder country, through Alliance 8.7, the global partnership for eradicating forced labour, modern slavery, human trafficking and child labour. If you are a Nepali business producing carpets or home textile products (pillows, blankets, poufs, etc.) for export, or are involved in the brick-making industry, and are interested in partnering with GoodWeave, contact Samjhana Pradhan at [email protected]. To learn more visit, www.goodweavenepal.org.
