An industry seeking a better way
Sixty million workers across the developing world rely on the garment industry for their livelihoods. Over eighty percent are women and many have migrated from rural areas – or even internationally – and garment work is their first entry into the job market. While factories are a valuable source of jobs and can help improve livelihoods of workers and their families, poor working conditions remain a pressing issue. Mechanisms to enforce labour laws are often poor and workers may not have a good understanding of their rights nor the skills to effectively realize them.
Done differently, the global garment industry can potentially lift millions of people out of poverty by providing decent work, empowering women, and driving inclusive economic growth and business competitiveness.