Our work in production countries - 15 March 2018 Workers protest against sexual violence Demonstration on 10.03.2018. Photo: © Garment Labour Union (GLU), BangaloreAround 350 textile workers gathered in Bangalore (India) on the occasion of International Women's Day (8 March) for a peaceful protest to demonstrate for human and, above all, women's rights in the workplace. With candles in their hands, they formed a human chain and demanded the end of sexual violence in the workplace. However, other labour rights violations were also denounced: Low wages, constant pressure from prerogatives, harassment, lack of implementation of statutory childcare for workers and the obstruction of union work are some of the most common problems women face in factories. Demonstration on 10.03.2018. Photo: © Garment Labour Union (GLU), BangaloreWith their protest, the assembled workers wanted to send a clear message to factory management, contracting companies and the government: “Alone in and around Bangalore, around 500,000 women work in clothing factories. This part of our society cannot simply be ignored. Companies producing in India must finally take responsibility for what happens to their suppliers”, said Rukmini, president of the women-led Garment Labour Union (GLU). “Our experience shows that companies like to act unsuspectingly so as not to jeopardise business with their suppliers. They say there are no complaints from the workers, consciously ignoring that many women are afraid to defend themselves if they are harassed – also out of fear of being harassed or fired by factory management”, adds GLU Secretary General Saroja. This year's International Women's Day protest was intended to send a strong signal against silence and ignorance and to show that many workers are already unionising and defending themselves against violations of rights.
