Freeset, now known as Joyya, is a group of social enterprises with the stated goal of creating employment opportunities for women affected by sex trafficking in West Bengal, India. In 2021, Joyya was awarded an A+ by Tearfund's Ethical Fashion Report.
Freeset was founded in 2001 by Kerry and Annie Hilton. It began by employing 20 local women from the Sonagacchi red-light district who were in Kolkata's sex trade, who produced jute bags for export. The name was changed to Joyya in 2021. The business has three parts: 'Joyya Goods', the business arm which offers employment and produces textile goods, 'Joyya Collective', the social arm which collaborates with a range of aligned businesses and NGOs, and 'Joyya Neighbours', the relational arm which focuses on participating in local community.Joyya. Impact Report 2022-2023. https://www.flipsnack.com/AD9B5A5569B/joyya-impact-report-web-version/full-view.html p.9
The Freeset name is still used by the Freeset Business Incubator, which is based in Kolkata, West Bengal. They have three focus areas: Vocational Training, Business Development and Job Preparation.
References
Sources Cadacio, Jodeal (13/11/2009). "Freeing women from sex trade". North Shore Times. Chanwai-Earle, Lynda (20/7/2015). "Freedom from Calcutta's sex slave trade - Freeset, India". Radio New Zealand National.