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The BSR HERproject, Gap Inc., PACE, CARE and Better Work have come together to form a new initiative. Arise: Rethinking Industry to Support Equality To accelerate the impact and equality of women workers in the global apparel, footwear and home goods supply chain.
The launch of RISE ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8 comes at a time when support for women workers is greatly needed. It is estimated that 75% of the 60 million garment workers are women who may experience gender discrimination, and may experience workplace harassment or violence, among other gender empowerment and gender equality challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic and an increasingly difficult financial environment are putting increasing pressure on women workers.
RISE supports global brands to empower female workers in their apparel, footwear and homewares supply chains and to have a broader impact on promoting gender equality in the industry as a whole. RISE pursues its mission through three main strategies: (1) strengthening the knowledge and skills of factory workers and managers; (2) changing business practices to include gender equality, and (3) influencing public policy and other key actors.
RISE builds on the proven approaches and expertise of its four founding partners, delivered through a growing network of local partners in Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Egypt and Pakistan. An integrated approach makes it easier and more efficient for industry and wider stakeholders to drive accelerated and sustainable impact on gender equality. It also improves efficiency by coordinating activities, sharing information systems and eliminating duplication.
The four founding partners work with 50 of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and home goods brands, reaching more than five million female employees worldwide. It is to increase this to 20 million workers in the next decade. Companies supporting the development of RISE include Abercrombie & Fitch Co., AJ & AJ Athletica, AEO Inc (American Eagle & Erie), BESTSELLER, Boden, Capri Holdings, Carter’s, Columbia Sportswear Company, Dôen, Hanna Andersson, Gap Inc. , Inditex, Macy’s Inc., Marks & Spencer, New Balance, Primark, PVH Corp., Ralph Lauren, Tapestry Inc. VF Corporation, Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
RISE’s capacity-building workplace programs aim to promote the dignity and equality of women workers in the workplace by changing both behaviors and systems. The programs expand the skills and confidence of women workers to assert their choices and rights and opportunities. The training engages male managers and colleagues to challenge social norms in the workplace. Program topics range from life skills such as communication and problem solving, general and reproductive health, financial health and well-being, protection from sexual harassment and gender-based violence, and women’s development and leadership.
RISE goes beyond workplace programs to drive positive change and policy reforms across the industry. Its work includes the voice and representation of workers at all levels, from management to project implementation, ensuring that they respond to the needs and priorities of women workers. RISE has a wide range of stakeholders involved in its management: brands, suppliers, labor organizations and unions, and the women’s movement.
Brands, buyers and suppliers can become members of RISE and invest in the apparel supply chain through the Workplace Program. Programs are currently operating in Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Egypt and Pakistan.
“Now is the time to step up support for female workers in the global apparel supply chain. RISE will benefit from proven practices from its founding partners and help reach more women, expand to more geographies and create more change. Brands and suppliers can join RISE to take serious action on gender equality.”
“By coming together to form RISE, our industries can leverage each of our proven empowerment programs to have a deeper, broader and more sustainable impact,” said Sally Gilligan, CEO of Growth Transformation. , Gap Inc. By Gap Inc. Through PACE
“CARE is excited to be a part of this collaborative effort to transform the apparel industry. RISE brings together industry stakeholders—brands, suppliers, women’s rights organizations, and unions—to drive systemic change led by women’s voices.”
“Integrating BSR’s HER project with other leading women’s empowerment programs is a logical and necessary next step in bringing these proven solutions to scale. As a combined force, RISE can navigate the complex issues of gender equality in global apparel supply chains and drive real action and impact for both businesses and women workers,” said BSR President and CEO Aaron Kramer.
“The potential of this partnership to affect change at every level from the organization is unparalleled, bringing together such a wide range of brands and retailers as well as industry stakeholders who all agree on the importance of working together to improve women’s working conditions, particularly in the apparel sector,” said Conor Boyle, Head, Better Work. .
Note to editors:
Better Work is a partnership between the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Better work promotes better work and better business in the apparel industry.
CARE is an international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and world hunger in partnership with women and girls.
Gap Inc. The PACE program empowers women and girls in the global apparel industry with basic life skills, technical training and opportunities to advance in their careers, lives and communities.
HERproject is a BSR collaborative initiative dedicated to empowering low-income women working in global supply chains. Bringing together global brands, their suppliers and local NGOs, HERproject impacts women and businesses on interventions in health, financial inclusion and gender equality.
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