For many of us, a sense of financial security and trusted friendships are things we take for granted. But for Sayna, a MADE FREE maker, these milestones represent hard-won victories in her journey toward freedom and empowerment.
“Before I worked here, I had never been to parks like Aquatica. I had no money, no trusted friends, and no sense of security,” Sayna recalls. But everything began to change when she joined the MADE FREE team.
A New Chapter of Trust and Opportunity
Joining MADE FREE not only provided Sayna with a job—it gave her a community. “Now, I trust my workmates, and I know they want the best for me,” she shares. For someone who had never felt supported, this sense of belonging marked a turning point in her life.
Building a Foundation for the Future
One of Sayna’s proudest moments was receiving her ID card—a symbol of her employment with a respectable, ethical company. This small piece of identification opened doors she never thought possible.
“The first thing I did when I started working here was open a bank account,” Sayna explains. Before joining MADE FREE, saving money felt out of reach. But with her newfound stability, she’s been able to set up a savings account and secure an insurance plan for her family.
Though her savings aren’t always large, Sayna is determined to put something aside whenever she can. “I can't always save much, but I always try to put something aside,” she says. These small but consistent efforts are helping her build a brighter future for herself and her loved ones.
The Broader Impact of Financial Independence
Sayna’s story reflects a larger truth: access to financial services is transformative. According to the World Bank, having a bank account is one of the key factors in reducing poverty (World Bank Report). It allows individuals to save, invest, and build resilience against financial shocks—critical steps toward breaking cycles of vulnerability.
Yet, global disparities remain. As of 2021, the Global Findex Database highlights that women in developing countries are 9% less likely than men to have access to financial services (Global Findex Database). By supporting ethical business models like MADE FREE, you help bridge this gap, empowering women to take control of their financial futures.
The Power of Dignified Work
Sayna’s story is a testament to the transformative power of dignified, sustainable employment. Through her work as a MADE FREE maker, she’s not only earning an income but also reclaiming her sense of self-worth and stability.
At MADE FREE, our mission is to create opportunities for artisans like Sayna, empowering them to break cycles of poverty and vulnerability. Each purchase supports this mission, providing fair wages, safe working conditions, and the tools for long-term success.
You might also like: How Paying a Livable Wage Can Help Stop Human Trafficking Networks
Why Sayna’s Story Matters
Sayna’s journey isn’t just about her—it’s about the ripple effect of empowerment. When one person gains financial independence, it strengthens families, communities, and future generations.
Through your support of MADE FREE, you’re not just buying a product—you’re investing in stories like Sayna’s. You’re helping to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live and work in freedom.
The MADE FREE Impact
The MADE FREE model provides sustainable social reform by addressing the root causes of slavery and poverty. Every purchase fuels a day of freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through sustainable employment opportunities and fair wages.
When you shop MADE FREE, you're empowering women and men to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Fair Trade Certified Factories
All MADE FREE factories meet or exceed World Fair Trade Organization standards, ensuring fair pay, safe working conditions, and the right to form unions.
Livable Wages & Income Security
Fair Trade guarantees fair pay, lifting people from poverty and providing income security.
Safe Working Conditions
Our factories support safe, healthy work environments, essential in sectors where unsafe conditions are common.
Community Development
Fair jobs create a safety net, reducing the risk of exploitation and boosting the community's economy.
Sustainability & Environmental Protection
We promote sustainable practices, protecting the environment and ensuring the health and safety of workers and communities.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Shahida’s story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with support, opportunity, and determination. By choosing fair trade products, you are helping artisans like Shahida build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Together, we can continue to create a world where hope and opportunity are within everyone’s reach.
0 comments