Label STEP is a non-profit fair trade organization that promotes the welfare of weavers and workers in the handmade carpet industry. Founded in Switzerland in 1995, the STEP label standard, with its proven and comprehensive fair trade requirements, encompasses universal human rights, including the prohibition of child labor, safe working conditions, fair wages and sustainable, environmentally friendly production. To address the complexity of the handmade carpet industry, a solution-oriented approach is taken that gets to the root of the problems. STEP advises and assists carpet weavers and producers to understand and comply with the STEP standard. Through its country representatives and programs, and with the financial support of its certified fair trade partners and donors, the humanitarian organization actively advocates for workplace improvements and empowers weavers with educational programs covering topics such as health, safety and financial literacy.