The Essential Fabric: Women’s Role in the Global Apparel Industry
The garment sector employs an estimated 94 million workers worldwide, making it one of the largest manufacturing workforces on the planet. Although the exact number of women workers is difficult to pinpoint due to the high prevalence of informal employment, the International Labour Organization estimates that 60–80% of the global garment workforce is female. This […]
Discrimination Divides. Inclusion Drives Success.
Workplace discrimination remains one of the most persistent barriers to ethical business conduct and sustainable development. At its core, discrimination refers to any distinction, exclusion, or preference based on race, color, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction, or social origin that undermines equality of opportunity or treatment in employment. When discrimination takes root, it compromises […]
Rethinking Working Hours in Labor-Intensive Industries
High working hours in labor-intensive industries—particularly footwear and apparel—have been debated for decades and remain one of the most persistent challenges in responsible supply chain management. At the heart of this discussion is Principle 6: Hours of Work, a foundational component of WRAP’s 12 Principles, which collectively define WRAP’s approach to ethical, lawful, and humane […]
Empowering Worker Voice: Why Freedom of Association Matters
Workers thrive when their voices are heard. That’s why Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining stand as a cornerstone of Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP)’s 12 Principles. This fundamental right ensures that workers can organize, express concerns, and negotiate for better conditions—without fear of retaliation. When workers are empowered to speak openly, facilities operate more […]
“I Didn’t Know it was Wrong” — Why Ending Workplace Harassment is a Fundamental and Uncompromising Priority
Every individual working in an industrial setting—regardless of gender, role, position, or rank—deserves to be treated with respect and protected from harassment and abuse. Dignity is a universal right. November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, serves as a global reminder that safety in the workplace is non-negotiable. At Worldwide […]
Compensation and Benefits: Building a Dignified Life for Garment Workers
“Everyone who works has the right to just favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and for his family an existence worthy of human dignity.” –Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Art. 23 Sec. 3 Proper pay is a fundamental way to acknowledge an employee’s hard work and dedication, fostering a sense of value and encouraging them to […]
WRAP Signs MoU with iHKiB
Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB) international relations and sustainability committee chairman Selcuk Mehmet Kaya visited our office in Arlington to sign an MoU with our President and CEO, Avedis Seferian.
