Universities can use their market power through a conscious procurement practice to achieve great things: The demand for ecologically and socially sustainable textiles and food promotes positive changes along global supply chains. For this reason, this guide supports administrative employees at universities in effectively anchoring sustainability criteria in the award process.
In order to reduce the bureaucratic burden of ESG reporting obligations, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented the so-called Omnibus Directive on 8 November 2024. However, civil society organisations fear that the proposal could weaken key EU corporate responsibility laws.
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The International German Gymnastics Festival 2025 cooperates with the Global Nature Fund as part of the ‘Fair Wear Works’ project. The aim of the cooperation is to provide clubs with practical information and assistance for responsible purchasing of sports textiles. During the gymnastics festival, there will be numerous information and workshops on sustainable sports textiles and the volunteers will receive GOTS-certified gymnastics bags.
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The German healthcare system has a significant impact on ecosystems, climate and society. A key measure for the protection of people and the environment is sustainable textile procurement. This approach goes far beyond mere cost efficiency and actively contributes to the implementation of the Planetary Health concept.
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Mandatory rules for the protection of women in factories, medical care for home workers: Trade Union Rights Centre (TURC) is committed to women's health in Indonesian shoe production. Our employees Daniela Bartsch and Johanna Thomas-Hergt visited Jakarta in November 2024.
© Julia Merkel ⁇ BMZ
The Textile Alliance celebrated its tenth anniversary on 28 November 2024 with a high-level event at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). In addition to Minister Svenja Schulze, FEMNET CEO Dr. Gisela Burckhardt also participated in the panel discussion and contributed key points from a civil society perspective. Another highlight of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the precarious working conditions of female migrant workers in the Indian textile industry. A study by the organization READ (Rights Education And Development Centre) documents the situation of migrant women in Tamil Nadu and shows worsening working conditions.
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On the 10th. December, the Day of Human Rights, is a special episode of Kleiderei Radio. Hosts Anna and Amelie discuss an often overlooked topic with Anthony Raju V. of Cividep (India) and Danardianingtyas Nitya S. of TURC (Indonesia): the health of women workers in the clothing and footwear industry.
© Initiative Supply Chain Act
Press statement of the Supply Chain Act initiative in which FEMNET is involved
The Bundestag debate on the 5th Heike Drillisch comments on the CDU/CSU and FDP’s requests to repeal the Supply Chain Act for the Supply Chain Act initiative.
© Sina Marx ⁇ FEMNET
In November 2024, FEMNET staff travelled to Bangladesh to visit partner organisations and understand the situation on the ground. The political and social tensions in the country have left visible traces, but there are also first signs of hope and change.
FEMNET has been involved in the Alliance for Sustainable Textiles since its foundation in 2014. Together with three other NGOs, we publish a statement on the occasion of the 10th anniversary in order to give more emphasis to the declared goal of the alliance.
On the International Day against Violence against Women, we cordially invite you to a special event: A live podcast with Kleiderei Radio and our partners from India and Indonesia. Join us and discuss!
