11 January 2023, Mumbai
Numerous initiatives to enhance working conditions, develop skills, and promote the well-being of women employees have been inspired by the significant attention given to women's contributions to and issues within the global apparel business over the past ten years.
Individual companies, industry coalitions, NGOs, and international organizations are in charge of these projects. Even if these measures have resulted in advances, more work has to be done.
Supply chains in the apparel industry are evolving, as are the demographics and day-to-day experiences of the people who are a part of them, so programs must be prepared to change and advance.
Essential programs for women in the field
Government programs and international development efforts are still crucial. Still, the business has a chance and a duty to be the driving force behind real, long-lasting change.
With these improvements, female employees will be able to reach their full potential and get the most out of their involvement in the global garment industry. This study suggests three crucial areas for global textile sector investment—in cooperation with other sectors—to enhance the economic empowerment of women workers and further strengthen existing efforts' success.
These domains revealed through examining broad trends and critical findings from ICRW's research, do not function independently but are interrelated. On the other hand, unmet needs in one area may have a detrimental impact on the results of efforts in another. Work to advance one place can encourage efforts in another.
The study strongly promotes collaboration throughout the whole value chain and beyond to address core issues and support improvements that stick for the long term.
The recent relaxation of labor laws announced as an emergency move to support the sector during COVID-19 is a hasty choice.
It may fail to achieve its claimed goal of raising productivity. In particular, due to their effects on workers, the general increase in working hours and the relaxation of the industrial dispute process must all be discussed. A tripartite method for addressing employer and labor concerns must replace unilateral decision-making with progressive and well-considered labor reforms.
Importance of women in this field
The biggest clothing companies should formally unite and declare their support for human rights throughout their supply chain.
Brands must encourage improved working conditions and consider the human costs of pressuring manufacturers to produce more with fewer resources. Additionally, brands need to pool their resources to establish mechanisms that improve working conditions and encourage ethical behavior in factories.
Examples of such efforts already exist, such as Marks & Spencer's and other garment manufacturers' Providing Opportunities to Women on Equal Rights (Control) Project in India, which encourages a safe workplace and gives women workers in its supply chain's manufacturing facilities more power.
