Press Release: Under 16's can own Secret Projects

Date of release 20/12/19

There are an estimated 1.8 billion young people in the world between the ages of 10 and 24 either working, studying, trying to find their place in society and are the largest youth population the world has ever seen. As a group, they are engaged and passionate about working together to make a fairer and safer world and demand their collective voice is heard.

Inspired by influencers and role models like Greta Thunberg, the world has witnessed millions of children and young people taking to the streets to protest about the lack of government action globally to tackle climate change. Teenagers are asking their parents to no longer fill a Christmas stocking with gifts, turning their backs on consumerism and moving towards having less ‘stuff’ in their lives. Very young children are carrying metal straws in their pockets and backpacks, so as not to use plastic ones. There is a big rise in veganism among teenagers, not only for environmental reasons but to show compassion for sentient animals they share their planet with.

It’s not just the environment young people feel passionately about. They want to see a fairer word with no inequality, whether that’s gender, sexuality, finance or lack of opportunities based on cultural norms and distribution of wealth throughout the world. They are turning their backs on fast fashion, knowing that when fashion is fast, someone is losing out. 50% of the millennial generation have either rented or thought about renting clothing, rather than purchasing items they may only wear a handful of times. It’s a powerful sea change as they strive for equality for all, including those groups who are vulnerable and marginalised. Secret Projects Community Benefit Society, empowers women in India through the making and selling of clothing and home wares and recently launched a Community Share Offer. As an organisation, they took the decision to allow their shares to be purchased for under 16’s. Believing that there wouldn’t be much interest from this age group, they were amazed when children as young as 6 asked their parents to buy shares on their behalf. Some young people even asked for shares as a Christmas Gift. Secret Projects learned that these young people felt owning shares in a Community Benefit Society was an excellent way of working towards a fairer world and as shareholders have the right to vote at Secret Projects Annual Meeting ensuring their voice and thoughts are heard. Read the Secret Projects Community Share Offer here.

INFORMATION FOR EDITORS

Under 16's Own Secret Projects Community Benefit Society!

A little bit about Secret Projects

· Secret Projects provides income generating opportunities for marginalised women in India through training and the making and selling of charming, foldable clothing and homeware.

· Our vision is a world where all women have the confidence and resources to make choices, thrive and contribute to the strengthening of their communities.

· The women of our Maker Community become part of our four-stage Virtual Training for Empowerment Programme with a longer term goal of setting up their own micro-enterprises, if this is something they would like to pursue.

· We work in 5 Indian states in regions where there are little or no employment opportunities, especially for women.

To date we have:

· We have trained over 500 women

· Established a regular monthly payment date for our Makers, which is a big help for the women with their household budgeting

· Our Makers have earned over £62,000

· Worked in 5 Indian states

To learn more about Secret Projects please visit our Learn About Us section on our website
Please find attached below a pdf copy of this press release for your reference.
For more information and to request images, please contact our PR Manager, Sophie at: pr@secretprojects.org