A stakeholder consultation on Promoting Gender Sensitive Workplace in RMG sector has been held. The event took place on 2 August 2022 in Dhaka.
17 representatives from 11 RMG brands participated in the consultation along with respective colleagues of ETI Bangladesh. The participating brands are: Varner, Primark, Regatta, Inditex, Tesco, Lindex, Next, Nbrown, Bestseller and The Very Group.
The objectives were to
• Share experience of gender programme in RMG factories.
• Explore the potential areas of cooperation in gender programme.
ETI made a presentation on international and national commitments on gender issues. After that the brands described their experiences in working on gender issues in Bangladesh RMG sector. The brands described about their programmes, achievement and challenges. They opined that they see a considerable advancement and sensitization but still a long way to go in realizing the goal of fully Promoting Gender Sensitive Workplace in RMG sector.
The participants later suggested areas of collaboration with ETI. Their suggested areas for ETI support and collaboration are:
Collaboration among brands for a joint approach in intervention; Facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration; Transparent data management and sustainability; A comprehensive study on gender analysis – what is the current scenario, What can be done; Lobby and advocacy with different powerholders – government, BGMEA etc.; Roadmap on how to manage the future challenges; Setting standard working hour inclusive of both paid and unpaid work; Focusing on benefits for women leadership focusing on external factors; Ensure qualified resource on gender sensitivity; Raise awareness of SDG goals and commitments; Promoting social respect, reward for women leadership.
ETI Bangladesh is working on incorporating their suggestions in its future work.
