Textile world conference vows to strengthen collective agreements 7 February, 2023More than 100 participants from IndustriALL affiliates in the textile and garment sector met online on 2-3 February for the first world conference since 2016. Discussions focused on advancing workers’ rights, building union power, confronting global capital, and ensuring sustainable industrial policy, as well as women in the sector.
International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women25 November, 2022Trade unions need to create safe spaces for women to denounce cases of harassment and overcome the fear, the shame or any other obstacle for them to speak out, say IndustriALL Women Committee co-chairs and assistant general secretary on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Why we focus on gender-based violence in 202225 November, 2022Gender-based violence is still an urgent issue, including in the garment sector, an industry with approximately 80 per cent women workers. The Covid-19 pandemic brought an increase of violence and harassment against women in general, leaving many women even more vulnerable, according to reports by the UNDP among other UN bodies. ILO Convention 190 is sending a clear message that violence or harassment in the world of work can never be tolerated, as well as providing an effective framework for addressing violence against women.
Madagascar garment workers formulate strategies to confront gender-based violence and harassment10 November, 2022Inspired by training on the International Labour Organization Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work facilitated by IndustriALL Global Union, the workers in Madagascar’s textile and garment industries are devising ways to deal with gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in their factories.
IndustriALL forms gender equality task force9 November, 2022IndustriALL and affiliates gathered online for a women’s committee meeting on 26 and 27 October. A key focus of the meeting was the approval of the composition of IndustriALL’s gender equality task force. Confirmation of twelve gender task force members completes an establishment of a new IndustriALL body. Its first task will be to develop a policy aiming at ending with GBVH, sexism and misogyny in industries and trade unions.
No place for violence and harassment in Indonesia’s garment industry19 October, 2022More than 50 trade unionists from textile and garment suppliers met on 4-5 October to discuss how to identify and eliminate violence and sexual harassment at the workplace. The meeting follows on the Zero tolerance policy Indonesian unions signed with employers earlier this year.
Conference discusses feminist ideas on building union power in Africa 18 August, 2022Why is it important for trade unions in Sub Saharan Africa to adopt feminist approaches to their campaigns and activities? A regional conference in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, 17-18 August, discussed some possible strategies for gender integration and gender equity and equality in trade union activities using feminist ideas.
Sexual harassment blocks young women’s training in Kenya’s automotive industry11 August, 2022At a two-day workshop in Nairobi, 3- 4 August, sexual harassment was identified as impeding young women from pursuing learnerships and skills training in Kenya’s automotive industry. One of the participants narrated how difficult it is for young women to enter the industry as technicians, artisans, or mechanics because of the pervasive sexual harassment.
Global brands purchasing practices linked to abuse of garment workers in South Asia10 August, 2022Purchasing practices of global brands are increasing the risk of abuse for workers at the far end of the supply chain in the textile and garment sector.
Indonesian unions sign zero-tolerance policy on violence and harassment with companies10 August, 2022 As ways of expressing their strong commitment to the ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work, Indonesian unions convened social dialogue meetings with employers.
