Gender-Responsive Health Protection - Press Releases © FEMNET 30 March 2022 Focus on gender-responsive health: Launch of a new multi-stakeholder initiative in the clothing and footwear sector In April 2022, a new initiative in the textile and footwear industry is gaining momentum. The aim is to improve the health situation of the workers. The focus is on production regions in India and Indonesia as well as opportunities for action in Germany. The organizations FEMNET e.V. and SÜDWIND Institute initiate the initiative in Germany. “From the outset, we want to take into account the needs of all relevant stakeholders. These include local workers, local trade unions and other civil society organisations. At the same time, it is important for us to involve companies, existing initiatives and supplying companies", explains project manager Lisa Carl from FEMNET. The topic is more topical than ever: Working conditions in the textile and footwear industry are often harmful to health and characterised by discrimination and violence. The consequences are physical and mental illnesses of mostly female workers. Women are exposed to specific risks, including the risk of experiencing sexualised violence in the workplace. Insufficient sanitary facilities are particularly problematic for them. In addition, there are poor pay and burdens from household and childcare, which create great mental and financial pressure. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation in the production facilities. “With our partner organisations Cividep in India and TURC in Indonesia, we are excellently positioned to advance the important topic on the ground and across borders,” SÜDWIND employee Dr. Jiska Gojowczyk is pleased about the start of the initiative. “We hope that many stakeholders will take advantage of the opportunity to work together.” The project, which started at the beginning of the year, is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). background FEMNET is a non-profit women's rights organization based in Bonn. Founded in 2007, the association promotes better working conditions in the clothing industry of the global South through campaigns, educational and consulting work, and project work with local partners. SÜDWIND is committed to economic, social and environmental justice – worldwide. They research, uncover unjust structures, make them public and offer alternative courses of action. SÜDWIND combines development education, public relations and lobbying work and carries demands in campaigns, society, companies and politics. For 30 years. contact Dr. Jiska GojowczykThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Lisa CarlThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Tel. 0049 176 48374 568 Download the press release of 30.03.2022 Supplement December 2022: Project homepage Created: 30 March 2022
