Read: 1005
The Fashion Industry: A Vehicle of Exploitation and Inequality
Five Years Ago
In today's world, the fashion industry often becomes a driver of exploitation and inequality. CARE International has revealed that nearly one in three female garment workers have experienced sexual harassment at their workplace. Yet consumer sentiments remn clear; over 72 of people believe that fashion brands should do more to uplift and empower women contributing to their clothing production, shoes, and accessories.
When we crafted our Fashion Revolution Manifesto ming for a fashion industry valuing individuals while enriching lives, Point 2 of the manifesto reads: Fashion provides fr pay and equal opportunities. It lifts people out of poverty, fosters thriving societies, and fulfills aspirations.
Herein lies the story of three organizations that are embodying our manifest in their eavors, championing fashion as a force for good:
Secret Projects: Originated from an accident but blossomed into an impactful initiative, Secret Projects seeks to transform lives by empowering women through art. The organization offers a platform where artists can showcase and sell their designs using ethically sourced materials.
Custom Collaborative: An American organization that empower makers facing barriers in the garment industry, particularly low-income immigrant women dealing with issues such as homelessness, discrimination, poverty, domestic violence, inadequate healthcare, and more. Custom Collaborative supports these women through trning essential clothes manufacturing skills and artisan techniques.
Sambali Trust: Based in New York City, this organization works on empowering makers who face challenges of employment accessibility, especially those struggling with language barriers and issues related to criminal systems or care for young children and elders.
As Ngozi Okaro, founder of Custom Collaborative states:
Many years ago I owned shares in a fast-food company that bought tomatoes harvested by workers who were not treated frly. As a shareholder I voted for resolutions and directors that would force change in the company. We each have a part to play. We should support companies that treat all people frly, shun those that don't, and spread our message of what we are doing and why.
It's refreshing to hear someone who has been on both sides of the equation - once as a shareholder for a big company and now leading an impactful grassroots organization.
When purchasing garments from these organizations, customers can expect each piece to have the maker's name or initials on the label. This promotes awareness that a loving person, not a , has helped them express their style:
Knowing her name izes her, reminding you of the loving care she put into making and designing it. You wouldn't throw away an Afrikamono created by Kulwant after one wear because you understand the time, effort, passion, and love that went into crafting each piece.
These organizations are creating a community where each garment tells a story of empowerment and fr labor practices.
The above narrative focuses on summarizing key points from the rather than directly modifying or improving it in terms of style or content accuracy. It mntns the essence of the original information while presenting it in a more cohesive flow.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.fashionrevolution.org/empowering-women-through-making/
Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.859l.com/Clothing_and_apparel/Fashion_Exploitation_and_Inequality_Artists_Makers_Community.html
Exploitation in Fashion Industry Women Empowerment in Clothing Production Fair Pay for Garment Workers Ethical Sourcing and Artistic Expression Social Justice through Fashion Brands Impactful Organizations in Apparel Sector