Women working in garment factories across Asia are becoming powerful leaders at work and in their communities. CARE is helping more women raise their voices, stand together, and influence decisions which affect their lives.

Background

About 75% of garment workers around the world are women. Yet few of them hold leadership roles in their workplaces and communities. As a result, the problems women face (like low pay, harassment, and lack of maternity benefits) can go ignored and unresolved by those with the power to make a difference.

But things change when women have the skills, support, and confidence to lead. Our research in Bangladesh shows that when women work together and speak out, they can win maternity pay, better wages, and safer workplaces.

of garment workers are women yet they are often underrepresented in leadership

What we’re doing

We work with global brands, factories, and unions to support women’s leadership across the garment industry. Here’s how:

  • EKATA model: CARE’s proven approach helps women identify issues together and take action. More than 5,000 women in Bangladesh have used this model, which has now expanded to Indonesia and Vietnam.
  • In-factory training: We provide training for workers and management to help women garment workers step into leadership roles and remove the barriers that hold them back.
  • Union partnerships: We help trade unions in Bangladesh grow their number of women members and leaders.
  • Supporting negotiators: In Indonesia, we train women union leaders so they can negotiate effectively on behalf of workers.
  • Global advocacy: We help women union representatives take part in events like the International Labour Conference, ensuring women’s voices are heard on the global stage.

Impact

When women lead, change happens. See how our programs are helping women transform workplaces and communities.