Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Ethical Shopping

How Daughters of the Ganges is bringing female artisans to the forefront

Daughters of the Ganges is a vendor available on the Big Issue shop, producing ethical and socially conscious products for all your needs

Daughters of the Ganges sell their products in the Big Issue Shop

This week Big Issue Group takes a big step forward in tackling our CO2 emissions, as we kick off a new partnership with Citroën to switch our UK-wide van fleet from diesel to electric vehicles. Find out why we’re going green for our vendors, our staff, our customers – and the planet.

As part of our Meet the Maker series, we speak to the people behind the creations in The Big Issue Shop – a platform for buying ethical products which put people and the planet first. This time, we speak to Priyanka Vasudevan, one of the founders of Daughters of the Ganges.

What can we find on your part of The Big Issue shop?

When you look at the Daughters of the Ganges page, you will see a range of colourful handmade pieces of jewellery.

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

All our products follow Fairtrade principles, which include fair pay, sustainable raw materials, and clean work environments. They are designed by our in-house designer, who consults our artisans for their ideas and technical abilities.

Our jewellery includes earrings, necklaces and bracelets, primarily made of brass with patina.

Advertisement
Advertisement

All our products are hypoallergenic. Each piece of jewellery is packaged in a 100 per cent cotton, handmade pouch. They make ideal gifts for ethical shoppers and conscious consumers.

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

How do your products make a positive difference in the world?

By buying handmade products, we can support local artisans and their crafts. Not only would this benefit individuals, it would also benefit their families and entire communities.

More money can be put into children’s education and more women can be included in the work force. The movement towards handmade products can have a positive impact worldwide.

What inspired you to start your company and how did it start?

Daughters of the Ganges, or DOTG, was born when we stumbled upon an opportunity to do something meaningful and make a difference to the vulnerable and marginalised communities in India.

Having a contact in a WFTO certified organisation, we knew that this was a sign to take our first step in making a change that could have a positive impact.

We were able to source our products from artisan communities and witness the changes as they unravelled. Once we observed how our small moves could affect lives, however small, we could not look back.

What is the biggest issue everyone should know about at the moment?

Fast Fashion is the biggest issue we are facing at the moment. Even though shopping for a few new clothes seems harmless, the effect it could have collectively is earth shattering. Not only is it bad for the environment and exploits workers, it also indirectly damages habitats for animals.

What is one thing anyone can do to make a positive difference?

Limited shopping at big fast fashion stores is the first step we can take. Ask questions like “Who made my clothes?”, “Where was it made?” and “What is it made of?”.

It would be advisable to not fall for trends. Buy what represents you and what you can wear for years to come, if it’s taken care of.

To find Daughters of the Ganges on the Big Issue Shop, click here.

And to find more ethical products on the Big Issue shop, click here.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
Designer and activist Katharine Hamnett on fast fashion, the planet and photobombing Thatcher
katherine hamnett
Second hand September

Designer and activist Katharine Hamnett on fast fashion, the planet and photobombing Thatcher

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new
lesley wearing her second hand finds
Second hand September

I have worn second hand clothes my whole life. I don’t know why anyone would shop new

Coffee that fights homelessness: Nespresso’s new £1m partnership with social enterprise Change Please
Three Change Please baristas promoting their Nespresso partnership
Sponsored content

Coffee that fights homelessness: Nespresso’s new £1m partnership with social enterprise Change Please

'The system is killing us': How B Corps are fighting injustice with socks, coffee and handbags
Ethical shopping

'The system is killing us': How B Corps are fighting injustice with socks, coffee and handbags

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know