About the Nicaraguan Garment Workers Fund
The NGWF was created to support the courageous work of the Nueva Vida Fair Trade Zone (also known as COMAMNUVI) through product development, marketing, quality and resource management, and employee empowerment programs. COMAMNUVI is the first worker-owned free trade zone in the world, employs over 60 workers and produces sweat-free, 100% organic cotton apparel products. The Nicaraguan Garment Workers Fund exists to support solidarity between international allies and the Nicaraguan workers, so that the Cooperative can be successful and self-sustainable.
Who are we?
The Nicaraguan Garment Workers Fund was established by a group of individuals who have worked alongside and been touched by the workers of the Nueva Vida Fair Trade Zone. Although the NGWF is a new organization, its contributing members come to the project with years of experience in apparel production, graphic design, international development, and non-profit management.
The aim of the NGWF is to support the long-term success of COMAMNUVI as a viable sweatshop alternative. The NGWF promotes solidarity between Nicaraguan workers and international allies, and also aids in the improvement of infrastructure and communication systems so that the Cooperative can be successful and self-sustainable.
How?
We operate from the sale of merchandise produced at the Cooperative. After the payment of minimal administrative costs (which we are happy to disclose upon request), the NGWF returns all profits to the workers via direct donations and through the Machine & Training Fund. The NGWF is committed to helping the sewing Cooperative transition into becoming self-sufficient, so that it will soon operate entirely from its own cash flow.
In response to the Cooperatives’ desire for guidance and support as they work towards sustainability, the NGWF has offered its services enthusiastically but prudently. We will work to avoid infringing upon the autonomy of the Cooperative in any way. As such, NGWF regularly consults the managing board of the Cooperative to evaluate the role and contributions of NGWF. As we continue to develop as an organization, we pledge to operate as a fiscally and bureaucratically transparent organization, ready to lend a hand and also ready to step back.