Thanapara Swallows Development Society is working to eliminate the causes of poverty in rural Bangladesh. The initiative was first started in 1973 to create livelihood opportunities for widows in Thanapara village after the Bangladesh Liberation War. Today, they employ nearly 200 rural women and produce clothing and housewares for fair trade partners around the world. The women dye yarn using natural and azo-free dyes, create handwoven and hand embroidered fabrics, and sew them into finished products. Thanapara Swallows provides ongoing training and maintains a training center with domitory accommodation that can also be used by other local organizations. They provide health benefits, a retirement fund, a day care center, and education support for producers' children. Social programs include primary education services and community organizing related to village development, agricultural rights, access to services, and addressing issues like early marriage, dowry, and domestic violence. Thanapara Swallows is a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).