Tomorrow is World Day Against Child Labour

Dear friends of FEMNET,

In January 2020, shortly before the outbreak of the pandemic, Dr Gisela Burckhardt and Sina Marx travelled from FEMNET to Bangladesh. They discovered numerous informal factories with up to 20 workers – many of them children working up to 12 hours a day for wages well below the minimum wage. Our partners at SAVE also report many individual fates, such as that of the little Shanmathi. The 10-year-old from Tirupur, India, the ‘T-shirt city’, has been working for the Shiva Tex factory for one year. By cutting threads on the manufactured goods, it receives about 21 rupees a day, which is about 24 cents.

Trade unionist Kalpona Akter (BCWS), says: ‘If we want to end child labour, we need a better wage for adults!“. That is why FEMNET is committed to ensuring that international fashion companies pay a living wage for the workers in their value chains.

In World Day Against Child Labour Let us show you the everyday life of the children in the small factories of Bangladesh. Insights into our educational and consulting projects, as well as updates from the production countries India and Myanmar, will also show you in today's newsletter what makes up our work: thorough information, background knowledge and very concrete guidance, so that changes in the textile industry succeed.

Without the vision and years of persuasive power of our CEO Dr. Gisela Burckhardt What has been achieved so far would not have been possible. We are therefore pleased that our ‘Chief’ 25 June awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon by the Mayor of Bonn, Katja Dörner and their tireless work is honored by the award of the Federal Republic.

A stimulating reading wishes

The FEMNET team

© SAVE

India's Lockdowns Lead to Child Labour and Significant Mental Stress on Textile Workers

India is currently the world's most affected country by the coronavirus. The high number of cases and deaths and the resulting lockdowns have a serious impact on textile workers. Due to their work and living situation, they are exposed to an increased risk of infection and are under a high psychological burden. The restrictions also lead to the accumulation of child labour.

To the report on our website

© Nyan Zay Htet

Arrest of labour rights activist Myo Myo Aye: Myanmar workers continue to resist

For more than four months, the people of Myanmar have been fighting against the tyranny of the military. It is above all women, especially the employees of the textile industry, who are at the centre of the protest movement. They not only bravely oppose the military, but also the misogynistic social norms they represent. It is not uncommon for the protests to end fatally, as was the case most recently in the industrial suburb of Hlaing Tharyar in Yangon, where 60 people fell victim to violence.

To the report on our website.

Donate now to Myanmar.

© FEMNET

FEMNET raises critical questions at Hugo Boss and Zalando shareholder meetings

At the general meetings of Hugo Boss and Zalando in May, Gisela Burckhardt, shareholder and CEO of FEMNET, asked the fashion companies critical questions. Among other things, FEMNET criticizes the inadequate complaint system at the Indian supplier of Hugo Boss. About Zalando, Burckhardt says “Compared to the environmental efforts that Zalando is making, statements about the implementation of human rights sound rather hollow. Many promises, few actions”.

To the press releases of Hugo Boss and Zalando.

© FEMNET

Second digital training for FEMNET speakers

Two training courses were offered to all FEMNET school and university staff in April 2021. An exchange evening for speakers provided an up-to-date overview of the work of the association and individual projects. Another training session dealt with a new module on the climate impacts of the global apparel industry. The two training days provided a useful platform for exchange and further training in terms of content and methods.

To the report on our website.

© FEMNET

Active for human rights in fashion - New modules on climate impacts & climate justice

Climate neutrality, climate protection and the 1.5 degree target determine national and international policy. However, the effects of the fast fashion industry on the environment and climate are rarely criticized in this context. In the new educational modules for schools and universities, FEMNET sheds light on the climate impacts of the textile industry and develops climate-friendly alternatives for action in solidarity.

To the report on our website.

© Jonas Heidebrecht

Fairly procured in Fairtrade Towns: Impulse for over 100 committed people

Many cities and municipalities are active as fair trade towns for global justice and fair trade. More and more people are also committed to sustainable procurement. FEMNET and Fairtrade Germany provided impetus for implementation in a joint webinar. 90 minutes of concentrated information, even at home: With our impulse for more sustainable procurement, we want to reach as many interested parties as possible. The recording of the event is therefore now available on our YouTube channel.

To the report on our website.

Video of the event on Youtube.