UK and partners launch next phase of gender equality programme in garment industry
The British High Commission and partners launched Phase III of their innovative Gender Equality Programme at a successful seminar on Thursday, 4 October.
First launched in 2016, the collaborative programme aims to promote gender equality in the workplace for one of India’s most crucial industries - garment and clothing factories. Critical to the economy, the industry provides direct employment to 45 million people, contributing 4% to GDP and 17% to total export earnings of the country. However, working conditions in the sector can pose challenges, particularly affecting the 60% of workers who are women.
The programme focuses on raising awareness among garment factory workers on gender issues and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act. The British High Commission and Marks and Spencer were the founding partners of the initiative, and were quickly joined by other leading international brands. The organisations worked with Change Alliance (India) and Treble Partners (UK) as implementation partners in the last phase.
Highlights of achievements to date include:
- 15,500 workers made aware of legal provisions guaranteeing their safety at the workplace, and trained to educate fellow employees also.
- 270 peer trainers trained across 11 factories on the rights of the aggrieved woman.
- 296 supervisors trained on gender equality and how to work responsibly.
- Factory policies of all 11 participating factories reviewed and necessary recommendations for the safe and decent workplace provided.
Yesterday’s event was a unique gathering of factories, brands, workers and programme field personnel who shared learnings, insights and recommendations on how to improve safety and foster a culture of equality for women in India’s garment factories.
Richard Barlow, Head Political and Bilateral Affairs, British High Commission said:
We are extremely proud to have been able to support the Gender Equality Program, including raising awareness among garment factory workers on gender and Prevention of Sexual Harassment.
I would like to say a special word of thanks to all the partners who have supported this project and all those women workers who have been trained. Without your support and involvement none of this would have been possible.
HKL Magu, Chairman, Apparel Exports Promotion Council, India (AEPC) said:
This Gender Equality program has shown some fantastic results and demonstrates Marks & Spencer’s leadership in tackling workers issues.
The AEPC and I hope that these kinds of gender centric programmes, sharing learning and open source resources, will help the garment industry in India and other businesses, to address gender issues (working with both men and women) and empower women to have the skills and confidence to take up leadership roles, contributing to a safe and gender equal society.
Further information
Yesterday’s plenary session included representatives from British High Commission, International Labour Organisation, AEPC, Marks and Spencer and programme’s impact presentation by Change Alliance.
Phase 1 of the programme focused on two factories in Bengaluru. Phase 2 covered 11 factories located in Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai.
Media
For media queries, please contact:
Sally Hedley, Head of Communications
Press and Communications, British High Commission
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021
Tel: 24192100; Fax: 24192400
Mail to:Asad Mirza
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