News

STEP’s approach to child labour is clear: no child should work at the cost of their health or education. In high-risk countries like Afghanistan, STEP’s efforts through audits, community engagement, and support aim to uphold this principle.

Label STEP, M2 Rugs, and the Nepali Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (NCMEA) recently traveled to Nepal’s Upper Mustang region to explore local wool production. By connecting with semi-nomadic herders, they aim to support the region’s wool industry, keep traditions alive, and integrate local materials into handmade carpets.

In a special collaboration between designers and weavers in Nepal, STEP Certified Partner Creative Matters’ Art Day bridged the worlds of design and craftsmanship. This hands-on experience allowed artisans to actively participate in the creative process, strengthening the connection between design execution and artistry.

As climate-related risks like floods and heatwaves rise, and with Nepal’s history of major earthquakes, STEP’s training on first aid, fire safety, and earthquake preparedness is strengthening our network’s local resilience, ensuring workers are equipped to handle emergencies and stay safe.

Morocco, home to some of the world’s earliest handmade rug traditions, boasts carpets deeply rooted in the culture of the Amazigh (Berber) peoples and nomadic indigenous tribes. Photographer René Fietzek’s images capture the artistry of Morocco’s artisans, in collaboration with Maison de L'Artisan and STEP.

India is a key hub for handmade rugs. From Bhadohi to Jaipur, STEP works closely with dozens of certified Fair Trade Partners around the world and their local producers to verify fair wages, ethical production, and sustainable practices—preserving the art of rug making for future generations.