Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh and Bangladesh Labour Foundation, with support from the Gender Platform, organised a discussion session and a rally with tannery workers on 9 December at the Tannery Workers’ Union Office in the Savar Tannery Estate.
The event opened with a short introduction on the UN 16 Days of Activism and the theme for 2025. After this, speakers from Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh, Tannery Workers’ Union, Karmojibi Nari and Bangladesh Labour Foundation spoke about the different forms of violence faced by male and female tannery workers. They explained how this violence affects workers’ daily lives and well-being, inside and outside the workplace. The speakers also discussed the new risks linked to the digital age. They stated that tannery workers are now more exposed to digital violence, including online harassment, misuse of personal photos or information, and harmful behaviour on social media. This part of the session focused on the need for digital safety and awareness. The speakers also stated the importance of Anti-Harassment Committees to support workers facing workplace or digital violence.
Workers received awareness posters that explained how digital violence occurs and how to recognise and respond to it. They were encouraged to share the posters within their communities to spread the message. The programme ended with a rally, where tannery workers marched together under the banner of the 16 Days of Activism. Through this participation, they reaffirmed their call for dignity, safety and respect at work, supported by national and international commitments.
