Dear friends of FEMNET,

The summer break is slowly coming to an end, but despite the summer hole, a lot has happened. We have come a great deal closer to a supply chain law. After many German companies have missed the opportunity to prove on a voluntary basis that they are doing enough to comply with human rights along their supply chains, it has become inevitable to implement the agreements of the coalition agreement. Federal Ministers Heil and Müller are working on a draft law. However, there is resistance. As part of the Supply Chain Act initiative We therefore support the current call for E-mail action against the blockade by Minister Altmeier. We also call for a gender-responsive supply chain law.

The current coronavirus crisis clearly shows us how fragile the existing supply chains are. Thousands of seamstresses in India and Bangladesh are still without work. At the same time, the number of infections is increasing, child labour and sexual exploitation are increasing, and labour rights are being restricted. With the Corona Emergency Fund, we support our local partners who have been working for weeks to alleviate the need for those affected. Each donation It works in solidarity!

Otherwise, we can also look forward to exciting topics from our education and consulting area! What does Corona have to do with responsible purchasing? How can young people find out what they can do about climate change? A look at our newsletter is worth it!

A stimulating reading wishes

the FEMNET Team

Seamstresses in Tamil Nadu © FEMNET

Gender equality now – including in the Supply Chain Act!

Women and girls are particularly affected by the negative effects of global economies. They are paid less than their male counterparts and experience sexualised violence and harassment in the workplace. Together with an alliance of 12 human rights and development organisations, we are calling for more gender equality in global supply chains. Our common Position paper focuses on human rights violations against women and girls and formulates demands on companies and politics. So also for a supply chain law: The cornerstones, which according to Federal Ministers Heil and Müller are to be adopted in the Cabinet in August, must explicitly include the rights of women and girls.

The joint press release

FashionChecker – Exploitation in the spotlight

Fashion companies invest millions in advertising to present themselves as ethical and sustainable. They claim that they have long since paid their workers a living wage. But the reality is different:

In 2020, we compared the statements of over 100 fashion companies and the actual wages of textile workers. FashionChecker.org published. The results show that 93% of the companies surveyed do not pay their workers a living wage.

Most companies hide their lack of progress around wages behind vague promises rather than providing verifiable information. We want businesses to do better: We want them to show how they are working towards a supply chain that enables ALL workers to earn a living wage.

Which brand pays a fair wage? Find out!

© rawpixel.com

Suddenly online seminar – that's what FEMNET's educational work said

After a short orientation phase, we positioned ourselves reliably and successfully tested various modules. In the summer semester, we have already been able to realize 12 online events in cooperation with students and teachers, and more are planned for the winter semester.

Workshops on our 16 thematic modules we make – as usual – lively and varied, also online. Students or teachers interested in our topics should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

More information about our educational work at universities.

© william87 - depositphotos.com

The new must-haves – Our workshops for youth groups

Is it really cool to have as many pieces hanging in the closet as possible? Fast fashion is still popular, especially among young people. But at the same time, interest in social and environmental issues is growing. And in global contexts. With our exciting workshops especially for youth groups, we strengthen the competences of a generation that will play a key role in shaping a sustainable future as an agent of change.

All information about the youth workshops...