Threadbare Truths: Fast Fashion’s Social Impact on Garment Workers Wellbeing
Source: ethicaltrade
In today's fast-paced fashion industry, where trends change in the blink of an eye and clothes are produced at lightning speed, it's easy to overlook the millions of garment workers who toil tirelessly to bring us the latest styles. However, recent reports shed light on the hidden realities of fashion supply chains and the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability.
According to a report by Oxfam, more than 60 million people worldwide work in the garment industry, with over 80% of them being women, often from impoverished rural backgrounds. This industry fuels the demand for fast fashion, where clothes move from design to store shelves in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, this rapid production comes at a cost – the well-being of garment workers.
Source: Emnesty
Tragedies like the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 workers, serve as stark reminders of the human toll of fast fashion. Despite various movements calling for change such as the Clean Clothes Campaign and Fashion Revolution’s #WhoMadeMyFabric & #IMadeYourFabric, many fashion brands continue to operate in secrecy, hiding behind opaque supply chains that make it difficult to trace the origins of our clothes.
Transparency is paramount to ensuring the safety and fair treatment of garment workers. In addition to worker safety, the fashion industry also faces environmental and social challenges, including forced labor and child exploitation. By publishing the names and locations of their factories, brands can empower workers to hold them accountable for their working conditions. This transparency also allows consumers to make more informed choices and support brands that prioritize worker welfare.
Source: Pexels
However, progress towards transparency has been slow. While some brands have taken steps to disclose their supply chain information, many others remain secretive. In the Fashion Transparency Index 2023, it was reported that only 1% of the brands surveyed publish the number of supply chain workers who are paid a living wage. The report also mentioned a study of 25 Australian brands' efforts in paying living wages, estimating that at today’s pace, it will take 75 years to achieve.
Moving forward, it's crucial for brands to prioritize transparency and accountability across their supply chains. Consumers have the power to demand change by supporting brands that prioritize worker well- being and advocating for greater transparency in the fashion industry. By working together, we can create a fashion industry that values people over profits and ensures a better life for garment workers worldwide.
Works Cited
Still In The Dark: Lifting The Cloak On The Global Garment Trade – OXFAM Australia. (2016, April). Oxfam Australia.
https://www.oxfam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Labour-Rights-Still-in-the-Dark- Report.pdf
