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ZERO : This is what Textile Industry Coalition (TIC) stands for! JOIN US NOW!! Convened by UN Women India, TIC is a a multi-stakeholder industry initiative, comprising of government, brands, factories, industry bodies, trade unions and civil society organizations to ensure ZERO TOLERANCE towards sexual harassment and violence against women and girls in textile supply chain and linked communities in Tamil Nadu. Funded by the European Union, H&M and TARGET , TIC is led by the Departments  of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment; Handlooms, Textiles & Khadi as well as Labour and Employment, Government of Tamil Nadu and is implemented by Sakshi Thanking and congratulating TIC's Steering Committee Chair ( Tmt Geetha Jeevan, the Hon'ble Minister for Social Welfare & Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu; Co Chairs ( Tmt. Jayashree Muralidharan, IAS, Secretary, Department of Social Welfare & Women Empowerment Jayashree Muralidharan as well as Tmt. Amuthavalli, IAS, Secretary Department of Handlooms, Textiles & Khadi for guiding and endorsing the industry wide plan of action developed and presented by the members comprising of representatives from H&M (Nikesh Raj Sundar Senthilnathan Hari Kumar Nair Sowmya V ); KPR MILL LIMITED ( Thangavel K) Asian Fabricx Pvt Ltd (Makesh R); TIRUPPUR EXPORTERS' ASSOCIATION (V. Elangovan Kumar Duraiswamy C.L) Southern India Mills’ Association ( HEMA MOHANKUMAR) ; Labour Progressive Federation (Bhoopathy), All India Trade Union Congress ( Sasikala); NATIVE MEDICARE CHARITABLE TRUST ( A.S. Sankaranarayanan)and Centre for Social Education and Development ( Nambi) as well as District Social Welfare Officers (Coimbatore, Dindigul, Erode, Karur, Tirupur and Namakkal ) built on the principles of shared responsibility and accountability. Also thanking representatives from BSR (Isadora L. Rohini Chandrasekaran) Catalyst Inc. Upfront ( Shaonli Chakraborty) Ethical Trading Initiative (Rana Alok Singh Fair Wear Foundation (MOUSUMI SARANGI) International Labour Organization (Michiko Miyamoto, Vaibhav Raaj) with local and global expertise in the areas of worker’s rights for contributing their insights. While expanding its membership base, TIC’s action plan is being implemented with targeted interventions at the levels of government & brands, factories and communities ranging from strengthening policies and practices, building capacities of government and industry wide stakeholders to addressing discriminatory norms and practices including engaging with men and boys.  Delphine Brissonneau Susan Jane Ferguson Kanta Singh Omang Rai Narang UN Women Asia and the Pacific #textilebrands Women’s Empowerment Principles

The leather industry employs a workforce of around 4.42 million men and women. Today, women constitute 25% of the overall leather industry, and 50% in the leather goods subsector, specifically. 👞 💼 However, comprehensive findings from a gender-sensitisation programme, held under the European Union-SWITCH-Asia Official-funded project, Effective waste management and sustainable development of the MSME tanning companies in the Kolkata Leather Cluster (Bantala), reveal that a combination of outdated social perceptions and mindsets, and grim socio-economic realities are preventing the development of a more inclusive leather sector, where a larger number of women participate/are encouraged to participate to make more fruitful contributions to the industry. ❌ 💡 To address these underlying issues, a new publication, titled Facing the Mirror: A Framework Enabling Gender Responsive and Equitable Spaces within the Leather Industry of Bantala and West Bengal, India, was recently published by Solidaridad Asia and SWITCH-Asia. The framework identified the need for interventions at three levels to ensure gender-inclusive workspaces: – Individual intervention – Mindset change intervention – Systematic intervention 🎯 👉 Furthermore, the framework recommends the following principles as the core of the interventions outlined: – Gender Equity – Inclusion – Participation – Safety – Openness to learn, reflect-review-response and change – Collaboration – Social wellbeing – Courage ✔ 🔎 Learn more about the framework here: https://lnkd.in/gCkSrJRe #WomenEmpowerment #WomenParticipation #GenderEquality #GenderFramework #Inclusivity #GenderInWorkplaces #GenderInclusivity #InclusivityInWorkplaces #LongRead #WeekendRead Solidaridad Network Monika Khanna Tatheer Zaidi Pradipta Konar Neha . Arjun Phillips

Once making up over 80% of the workforce, women's participation in Bangladesh's garment sector has dropped to 53% in 2023 from 56% in 2014. Factors include shifts in industry focus, automation, and reluctance among younger generations to take on labor-intensive roles. As technology reshapes the industry, balancing innovation with inclusive employment opportunities is crucial for sustainable growth. #NeedleInnovationChallenge #BuildBangladesh #RMG #Bangladesh #WomenInWorkforce #automation #sustainability

There is nothing more satisfying than driving actual impact through creating jobs and improving the environment. Our initiative Oporajita - Collective Impact on Future of Work is creating sustained livelihood opportunities for out-of-work women garment workers by building the capacities in circular jobs and circular micro-entrepreneurship models. Interventions are designed to support both the out-of-work women garment workers as well as the SMEs within the garment manufacturing and allied sectors. Thus far we have engaged with over 50 SMEs within Bangladesh, trained over 1300 out-of-work women garment workers, of which we enabled the entry of over 820 women garment workers back into the workforce. More so, the incomes of each of these upskilled / re-skilled women workers have improved by an average of 8 - 15%. So far, we have also trained 140+ entrepreneurs on circular business models. Read more about our impact: https://ow.ly/6R1V50PJ9gx Saurabh Dey Dhiman Halder Shruthi Suripeddi Venkat Kotamaraju Ainee Islam Md. Mostafa Sorower Ahnaf Tahmid The Asia Foundation ygap iDE Bangladesh Swisscontact CARE Bangladesh LightCastle Partners WaterAid Shimmy Technologies, Inc. H&M Foundation Oporajita - Collective Impact on Future of Work, supported by H&M Foundation - involves 11 organizations that are implementing interventions for out-of-work women garment workers on developing skilling and career mobility, creating enabling environments in their communities, and safeguarding livelihoods through increasing the competitiveness of the RMG sector in Bangladesh

Recent research from the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) reveals a concerning decline in women's participation in the country's garment sector, decreasing from 56 per cent in 2014 to just 53 per cent in 2023. To read more, click here👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/grzV83Y4 Binayak Sen  #ApparelResources #DailyNews #GarmentSector #BangladeshTextiles #WomenInWorkforce #GenderEquality #TextileIndustry #WorkforceDecline #BIDSResearch #InclusiveGrowth #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicTrends #TextileNews #LaborMarket #IndustryInsights #WomenInGarments #WorkforceParticipation #BangladeshEconomy #GarmentWorkers

Facing the Mirror, takes a significant step forward by addressing the critical issue of gender equity in the Bantala leather cluster, West Bengal. The publication sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by women working in this industry and proposes strategies to create a more gender-responsive and equitable work environment. Promoting gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it makes good business sense. When women can fully participate and contribute their skills and talents, the leather industry benefits from a wider talent pool, fostering innovation and productivity. By working together, we can create a future where women in the leather clusters can thrive and contribute their full potential towards the success of the industry.

In the heart of Bangladesh’s bustling cities and rural landscapes alike, the textile industry serves as more than just the backbone of the economy; it’s a vital thread in the fabric of women’s empowerment. This article delves into how the textile and garments industry has become a catalyst for transforming women’s roles in society, providing them not just with employment, but with pathways to independence, leadership, and socio-economic empowerment.

Once making up over 80% of the workforce, women's participation in Bangladesh's garment sector has dropped to 53% in 2023 from 56% in 2014. Factors include shifts in industry focus, automation, and reluctance among younger generations to take on labor-intensive roles. As technology reshapes the industry, balancing innovation with inclusive employment opportunities is crucial for sustainable growth. #NeedleInnovationChallenge #BuildBangladesh #RMG #Bangladesh #WomenInWorkforce #automation #sustainability

Women's Participation in Bangladesh's RMG Sector Declining: ETI Research Our recent joint study with #GIZ and #BRAC University, covered by #TheFinancialExpress, reveals a concerning trend - the proportion of women workers in Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry is declining. As per the research findings published in early 2023, only 53.65% of RMG workers were women in 2021, down from over 80% during the sector's inception in the 1980s.  The key reasons behind this decline include family conditions like childcare, pregnancy, and age as well as unfavorable working conditions such as excessive workload, long hours, and low wages.  Addressing this issue is crucial for upholding rights, achieving gender equality, and ensuring the #RMG sector's continued success. Concerted efforts from all stakeholders - brands, factories, and government - are needed. https://lnkd.in/gsSvwXcQ #GenderEquality #WomenAtWork #SustainableGarments #WorkersRights #Bangladesh #ETIBD

The Current Status and Future of Female Workers in the Textile Industry: A Picture of Data and Possibilities Bangladesh’s textile and RMG industry is a key pillar of the economy,generating nearly 55 billion USD in 2023.Behind this success are around 4 million workers,65%-75% of whom are women.But what is the situation of female workers on this success platform?How can they play a more important role in the future? Wages & Living Standards: The average monthly income of female workers is 9,000-12,000 BDT. However,65% of female workers fail to maintain a minimum standard of living. Female workers earn 10%-20% less than male counterparts. Working Hours and Workload: 70% of female workers work 10-12 hours a day,often without proper overtime compensation. Workplace Environment and Safety: 40% of factories fail to ensure a safe environment. 35% of female workers face sexual harassment&mental stress.Only 25% receive maternity leave. Economic Empowerment: Women’s participation in the textile sector has increased rural poor families’ income by 20%. 70% of female workers influence financial decisions in households. Future Prospects for Female Workers: Skill Development & Technology: The 4th Industrial Revolution will reduce demand for unskilled labor by 25% by 2030. Technical training&digital skill development are essential for women. Sustainable Garment Production: The demand for sustainable garments increased by 30% in 2023.Female workers can play a crucial role in eco-friendly garment production. Increasing Women in Higher Positions: Only 5%-7% of female workers hold managerial positions.Leadership training programs are needed. Opportunities for Entrepreneurship: Women in the textile sector are increasingly inclined toward entrepreneurship.With easy access to loans, female entrepreneurs could increase by 20%-30% in the next 10 years. Solutions:How to Brighten the Future of Female Workers? Eliminating Wage Disparity:Enforce labor laws & wage reviews to ensure equal pay. Women-Friendly Workplace:Implement policies for day-care facilities, maternity leave & safe work environments. Skill Development and Training: Introduce technical & technological training programs for women. Changing Social Perceptions: Launch awareness campaigns to promote a positive societal attitude toward working women. Female workers in Bangladesh’s textile industry are the driving force behind the nation’s economic growth. Ensuring a safe work environment & skill development will strengthen the country's textile sector. It’s time for the government, industry owners & international buyers to create a roadmap for the future development of female workers. Farhana Afroze #WomenInTextiles #GenderEquality #WomenEmpowerment #BangladeshTextiles #SustainableFashion #WomenInBusiness #FutureOfWork #TextileIndustry #RMG #EmpoweringWomen #WorkplaceEquality #LeadershipDevelopment #WomenEntrepreneurs #SkillsDevelopment #EqualPay #TextileWorkers #Industry4_0 #farhanashraboni #farhanaspeech