© FEMNET Modern slavery in Indian spinning mills Young women aged 14-18 are kept in state-of-the-art spinning mills like slaves. Girls and young women – often from the caste of the Dalits, the ‘untouchables’ – are committed to textile factories in southern India for three years and more. They don't even get the minimum wage. At the end of working time, which is rarely regulated by contracts, there is a premium – often only a few hundred euros. Until recently, this form of slavery was called Sumangali (Happy Bride), because the premium was to serve as the bride's price. Meanwhile, the spinning mills no longer advertise the term, but the working conditions have not changed. If a young girl does not maintain the contract period with inhumane working conditions, she is not always entitled to payment of the premium. Read more …
© FEMNET Modern slavery in Indian spinning mills Young women aged 14-18 are kept in state-of-the-art spinning mills like slaves. Girls and young women – often from the caste of the Dalits, the ‘untouchables’ – are committed to textile factories in southern India for three years and more. They don't even get the minimum wage. At the end of working time, which is rarely regulated by contracts, there is a premium – often only a few hundred euros. Until recently, this form of slavery was called Sumangali (Happy Bride), because the premium was to serve as the bride's price. Meanwhile, the spinning mills no longer advertise the term, but the working conditions have not changed. If a young girl does not maintain the contract period with inhumane working conditions, she is not always entitled to payment of the premium. Read more …
Gender-based violence in the workplace Gender-based violence is one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world. It is aimed primarily at women and sexual minorities. The perpetrators are usually men. Gender-based violence reflects unequal power relations between women and men. Depending on the country, 60 to 90 percent of workers are women when it comes to sewing clothes. Men mainly work in supervisory and managerial positions, they give instructions, exert pressure and many do not shy away from violent behavior. Therefore, companies that produce in these countries must pay particular attention to ensuring that their suppliers do not tolerate violence in the workplace and take preventive measures. Read more …
