This policy is applicable to both producer groups and employees of DATKA.
DATKA does not support child labor. Workers under 16 years of age are not allowed and the same is to be ensured on the part of producer groups. The minimum age for admission to any type of employment or work which by its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out is likely to jeopardize the health, safety or morals of young persons shall not be less than 16 years. (As mentioned in ILO convention 138, The Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of 2004). Other than this, children in producer organizations who are learning production skills within their families are permitted to do so, only if their work does not interfere with their education, health or development.
No forced or bonded labor is permitted by DATKA, in any condition and the same is to be ensured on the part of our producer groups, from whom the organization is purchasing Fair Trade products. (As mentioned in ILO convention 29)
DATKA does not support any discrimination (on grounds of religion, race, gender or place of birth) and protects the rights of artisans and employees by ensuring fair wages, equal opportunity to all, healthy and safe working conditions and proper scope for overall development.
DATKA believes in, and actively supports empowerment of local communities, with particular reference to the role of women.
DATKA ensures that the fair wages are being paid to the organization’s artisans/ employees and also to the artisans from the producer groups regularly. DATKA aims that the producers should receive an income that improves their standard of living and thereby aid in community development (As mentioned in ILO convention 95 and 131).
DATKA provides safe and healthy working conditions for artisans and employees working with the organization and ensures that producer groups follow the same.
DATKA believes that any type of community development is the initiative of people themselves and they should be entrusted with the freedom to express their own ideas and values. We consider artisans’ opinions to be of utmost importance and seek participation from them as and when required.
DATKA supports community initiatives through its fair trade partnerships, which can involve paying a premium for a product, advance payments when needed, sponsoring of need based projects, organizing workshops for the skill and overall development of artisans, sponsoring and organizing of health camps and spreading awareness on issues like health and nutrition, environment protection and the like.
DATKA is committed to confer preference to the economically & otherwise disadvantaged or marginalized communities at the time of recruiting people in organization and while selecting a producer group to work with.
DATKA actively encourages value addition in the communities of origin, and undertakes product development with this in mind; in this way, more money goes to local economies. DATKA is committed to sustainable development and encourages complete processing of materials in the community itself
DATKA is committed to support enterprises involving natural/organic raw materials and stresses on environment friendly processes & materials. All raw materials, processes & products should be sustainably managed. We also try to promote recycled materials, eco-friendly packaging & means of transport with minimum carbon footprints.
For thousands of years, nomads of Central Asia have been making felt and transforming it into works of art and comfort. We embrace this heritage and work every day to conserve traditional craft techniques, and diffuse them from the Tien Shan highlands to the wide world. We update our craftsmen with the latest trends & requirements of the global market so as to increase the marketability of their produce overseas.
We intend to provide help, guidance, training, education and support for selling handmade felt products and to develop need-based strategies and programs for poverty alleviation through a sustainable model for rural development. We will build capacities for rural development through training programs and a network of partner organizations.
DATKA analyzes the impact of local, state and national policies on rural development, helping the rural poor make best use of policies intended to benefit them; and advocate for policy reforms when needed.
We hereby aim to work closely with the artisan communities providing them with various inputs on design, quality control, access to raw materials and production coordination. DATKA makes sure that all products and processes at our producer groups are subjected to the highest standards of quality.
DATKA will conduct timely research to assess the level of positive change in the living standards of our artisan community. DATKA will endeavor to achieve continual improvement in all possible spheres.
DATKA is committed to encourage the production of hand-made, fair trade, eco-friendly and sustainable products all over the world. We will promote non-harmful and ethical exports.
DATKA will be transparent in its policies and management. We will be respectful with all commercial partners and would look towards long term relationships.
DATKA will strive to promote Fair Trade principles amongst all stakeholders & other spheres of society in general.