Ethical Trading Initiative Bangladesh marked International Women’s Day 2026 with awareness activities that reached workers across the Savar Tannery Estate and surrounding communities on 8 March, drawing attention to the contribution of women workers and the need for dignity, equality and safety in work.
The initiative engaged tannery workers, trade union members and organisations through poster distribution, discussion and a rally within the estate. The activities recognised the role of women in the tannery sector and created space to raise issues related to rights, safety and equal opportunity in work.
As part of the observance, ETI Bangladesh distributed awareness posters in 40 tanneries, community locations and among members of the Tannery Workers’ Union. The posters marked International Women’s Day and highlighted the contribution, rights and safety of women workers in the sector. The materials were placed in locations across the estate to reach workers, union members and people in surrounding communities.
ETI Bangladesh also joined a discussion session and rally organised by Bangladesh Labour Foundation with support from Mondiaal FNV. The session brought together tannery workers, trade union members and representatives of organisations to discuss the role of women in the sector and issues faced in work and community life.
During the session, representatives from ETI Bangladesh referred to International Women’s Day as a moment to recognise the contribution of women and to call for gender equality in work and community settings. They also referred to the 2026 theme #GiveToGain and linked the theme to conditions in the tannery estate, noting the need for collective responsibility, investment in safety in work and support systems for workers.
Participants also shared accounts from women workers in the tannery sector and discussed dignity, respect and equal opportunity in work and the link between these issues and industry practice.
After the session, workers and members of the Tannery Workers’ Union held a rally within the tannery estate to mark the day and express solidarity.
