© FEMNET
How can the involvement of workers in the textile industry be transformed from a theoretical compulsory exercise into an effective, systemic practice? Using various practical examples such as the Dindigul Agreement, FEMNET's new study shows how companies can move from symbolic consultation to effective participation.
Our partner organisations HEJSupport and ESDO have published a new study on chemical pollution in communities around textile factories in Bangladesh. As part of a community-based monitoring, soil, water, sewage and hair samples were analyzed. The results show a significant exposure to long-lasting and harmful chemicals as well as heavy metals.
© FEMNET
At the end of October 2025, Bangladesh reached a significant milestone: The government has ratified ILO Convention No. 190, which prohibits violence and harassment in the world of work. In doing so, the country is committed to an internationally recognised intellectual property right for all workers.
© BLAST
Bangladesh is one of the most important production sites of the global fashion industry – and at the same time a place where millions of workers have to fight for fair conditions on a daily basis. Our partner BLAST (Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust) has developed an app that gives textile workers easy access to information, advice and legal assistance.
On April 24, 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh, collapsed. More than 1,100 people died and more than 2,500 were injured. For the first time, the world looked at the devastating conditions in the global fashion industry, but only for a moment. The grievances persist. How we make them visible and encourage companies to act.
© Sina Marx ⁇ FEMNET
In November 2024, FEMNET staff travelled to Bangladesh to visit partner organisations and understand the situation on the ground. The political and social tensions in the country have left visible traces, but there are also first signs of hope and change.
© Md. Shahinur Rahman
Since 20 August 2024, heavy rainfall has led to severe flooding in 11 districts of Bangladesh. According to the Ministry of Civil Protection, about 5.7 million people are affected, around 470,000 seek refuge in emergency shelters, and 23 people have been killed so far.
© deshsangbad.com
After weeks of protests with hundreds of dead, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned. Military chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announces a transitional government. Employees are concerned that they will not get their full July salary due to the government-declared rest days. European brands must now support workers in their supply chains.
© Pieter van de Boogert
Press release of the Clean Clothes Campaign 22.04.2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024, marks the 11th anniversary of the worst tragedy in the fashion industry: the collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which killed 1,138 people. On this occasion, Artemisa Ljarja from the Campaign for Clean Clothes Germany draws the following conclusion: "Although unprecedented progress has been made in improving safety in factories since then, the brutal crackdown on the protests for the increase in the minimum wage shows that fashion brands producing in Bangladesh still do not ensure that basic rights are respected in their supply chains."
Foto: © FEMNET
At the beginning of December 2023, FEMNET was part of a delegation trip to India. The trip was dominated by important topics such as gender equality, rights holders and workers' rights in the textile industry. This mission was carried out as part of the German government's sector project on 'Social and Ecological Transformation of Textile Supply Chains', which is responsible for the Green Button, the Siegelklarheit initiative and the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles.
