Our work in production countries - FEMNET - Frauen in der Textilindustrie

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.

The tyranny of the military threatens the once thriving clothing sector and more than half a million jobs.

With the executions of the four activists at the end of July, the violence of the military regime in Myanmar has reached a new, sad climax. De facto head of government Aung San Suu Kyi was sentenced to another six years in prison. The situation of Myanmar's textile workers is also becoming increasingly threatening. Raids and arrests in the factories are on the rise. At the same time, labour rights are curtailed, wages are cut and unrealistic production targets are set.

In the Indian state of Karnataka, with its stronghold of the textile industry Bengaluru, drastic changes to an important working process are about to be implemented. The so-called Factories Bill 2023, Karnataka Amendment It replaces a standard that has been in force to date. Important labour law achievements such as the abolition of night shifts or the introduction of 8-hour days are to be lifted. The amended law is intended to give suppliers more leeway to react more flexibly to orders. The labour law organization Cividep expects significant deteriorations in working conditions for thousands of female employees.

On 1 February 2021, the military couped in Myanmar, arrested the elected members of the government and took power. Four days later, a general strike began with numerous street protests, known as the Civil Disobedience Movement. At the forefront are Myanmar's textile workers. To this day, their protest is violently suppressed, trade unionists arrested and killed. International brands must act and stop production in Myanmar to weaken the military regime.

After two years of travel, Daniela Wawrzyniak, coordinator of FEMNET foreign projects, and Gisela Burckhardt, CEO of FEMNET, travelled to Tirupur in Tamil Nadu and Bangalore for 10 days from 22 May to 1 June 2022. They visited our partner organizations SAVE, READ, Munnade, GLU and Cividep and bring many impressions with them.

On 14 October 2025, a major fire broke out in a chemical warehouse and an adjacent textile factory in the Mirpur district of Dhaka, Bangladesh. At least 16 people died and many more were injured. The cause is still unclear – only: There is still a lack of basic safety standards.

Mass protests and police violence have increased daily since the military coup in Myanmar. People need our solidarity and support. An overview of the events and how they affect textile workers and trade unionists.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the precarious working conditions of female migrant workers in the Indian textile industry. A study by the organization READ (Rights Education And Development Centre) documents the situation of migrant women in Tamil Nadu and shows worsening working conditions.

On a tour of Germany, two activists from Bangladesh have opened their eyes to people about the labour and human rights violations in their country's textile industry. They have shown consumers in Germany what the fight for better labour rights means for trade unionists and activists in Bangladesh: In view of the threat of harassment, insult, dismissal, imprisonment and use of force, it takes a lot of courage. Kalpona Akter and Mim Akter prove this courage day by day through their work. Here's the video of your trip.

India is currently the world's most affected country by the coronavirus. The high number of cases and deaths and the resulting lockdowns have a serious impact on textile workers. According to FEMNET's partner organizations, these are under a high psychological burden. In addition, they are exposed to an increased risk of infection due to their work and housing situation. The restrictions also lead to the accumulation of child labour.

A report by our co-worker, Ohnmar Khin.

Two years ago, the military in Myanmar violently couped itself to power. After just a few days, there were countless arrests and deaths during demonstrations against the regime. At the forefront are textile workers who work in factories of international companies and continue to take to the streets today despite the great danger. At the same time, all Burmese in the country lack the most essential: The cost of living has exploded due to inflation and there is no longer sufficient medical care in the country. Many do not have the financial means to flee and those who manage to do so face new challenges and have to fear far away for their future and that of their families.

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Workers protest against sexual violence

Myanmar: Thousands of workers fleeing to an uncertain future

Overtime, Surveillance and Violence - On the Current Situation in Myanmar

Revision of the factory law in Karnataka and its consequences for workers, brands and suppliers in the clothing sector

International brands must act and stop production in Myanmar

First trip to India since Corona - lively exchange with FEMNET partner organisations

Deadly factory fire in Bangladesh: 16 dead and many unanswered questions

What is happening in Myanmar? #WhatisHappening-inMyanmar?

Study: Consequences of the coronavirus pandemic for migrant workers in the textile industry Tamil Nadus

Video 'Fast Fashion kills - Solidarity works!'

India's Lockdowns Lead to Child Labour and Significant Mental Stress on Textile Workers

Myanmar: A fight for survival on several fronts

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