In order to advance gender equality and the rights of female workers in the apparel, footwear and textile sectors, RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality) is advocating for lasting change. Women make up around 75% of the 60 million workers in the worldwide apparel industry. These women frequently experience limited job advancement options, harassment and violence at work and gender discrimination. Many female workers are now in more precarious positions as a result of the COVID-19 fallout and continued economic difficulties. In light of this, four international organizations including BSR’s HER project, GAP Inc.’s P.A.C.E, CARE and Better Work came together in 2023 to introduce RISE which is a cooperative project that aims to empower female employees, integrate gender equality into corporate operations and spur systemic change.
RISE reached about 400,000 workers in Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Pakistan and Vietnam in 2024 of whom 65% were women and is on track to reach 1.5 million workers by the end of 2026. RISE offers all-encompassing assistance by enabling female employees to advance their professional and personal development by enhancing their abilities, expertise and self-assurance. Women indicated a 49% rise in their belief in their own value after participating in RISE programs. The perception that giving women more rights come at the expense of men decreased by 46% across five countries.
The goal of RISE’s initiatives is to scale and maintain workplace action for women’s empowerment. Among them are: Improving financial literacy and financial health to support stability and resilience in the economy, Respect, resolving gender-based harassment and violence, and creating a secure and fair workplace, Foundations, a program for workplace development aimed at empowering women workers and advancing their rights and The Digital Program enhances digital literacy and financial, stress reduction, and health skills.
“RISE now has over 30 members, including buyers and suppliers, which is crucial for achieving real improvement on the production floor. Factories that implement our programs notice real business benefits: a survey of 37 workplaces across six countries showed a 30% reduction in turnover rates, increased productivity, and a decline in rework rates from 7.2% to 5.5%. This highlights RISE’s tangible impact which we are continuously scaling up as we expand to new members, factories and countries,”
Says Christine Svarer, Executive Director of RISE.
RISE plays an important role in reducing gender disparities and fostering women’s economic independence. The organization promotes building gender-sensitive, ethical business practices in the garment sector, as well as campaigning for reforms to applicable laws and policies.
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