Why is ActionAid working on the issue of global garment workers’ rights? Â
The global fashion industry is one of the largest employers of women workers in low-income countries. There are 35 million women garment workers worldwide – women make up 80% of garment workers across the globe – and many of the clothes sold in Australian stores are made by women in countries like China, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.Â
The fashion industry has provided new employment opportunities for women in low-income countries. However, it is also plagued by exploitation, with poverty wages and poor working conditions entrenched across the industry. While Australian and international fashion brands continue to cash in huge profits, women garment workers are left wearing the cost.Â
ActionAid’s She Wears The Cost campaign demands that brands step up and uphold the rights of the women who make their clothes.