H.A
Behind the Seams
The Rana Plaza tragedy brought the exploitation of garment workers to the forefront of public awareness (Islam & Winkel, 2017). This exploitation often includes gender-based discrimination, ranging from mental abuse to physical and sexual harassment. Women are often paid less than men for the same work and are more likely to be employed in low-paying, insecure jobs (Khan, 2019). They are also more likely to be subjected to verbal abuse, threats, and sexual harassment. In some cases, female workers have even been physically assaulted.
The exploitation of female workers is a global problem that occurs in both developed and developing countries. However, it is more common in developing countries where labor laws are often weak and poorly enforced (ILO, 2018). There are many reasons why female workers are exploited. One reason is that they are often seen as a source of cheap labor. Another reason is that they are often not aware of their rights or are afraid to speak out against abuse.
The exploitation of female workers has a devastating impact on their lives. It can lead to poverty, ill health, and even death. It can also have a negative impact on their families and communities. It is important to raise awareness of the issue of female workers' exploitation and to take steps to protect women's rights at work. This includes strengthening labor laws, providing education and training to female workers, and supporting organizations that are working to end this abuse.
6 Things garment workers want you to know
The Story in Numbers: Women in Garment Factories
20%
The garment industry relies heavily on female labor, with women making up 80% of the workforce worldwide (International Labour Organization, 2022). This means that 8 out of 10 garment workers are women. However, women in this industry often face lower wages, poor working conditions, and exploitation.
Women
Men
80%
Percentage of Garment Workers Who Are Women
Women in garment factories earn less than men for the same work (Clean Clothes Campaign, 2021). This means that for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 70 to 85 cents. In Bangladesh, women garment workers make 21% less than men, despite doing similar jobs (Asia Floor Wage Alliance, 2022). This means that for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 79 cents.
Women
Men
200%
185%
95%
110%
Average Wage: Men vs Women
India
150%
Veitnam
Cambodia
Bangladesh
120%
250%
230%
Women
Bangladesh
Men
Difference %
Garment workers often work very long hours, sometimes more than what is legally allowed (Worker Rights Consortium, 2023). For example, workers in Cambodia work 300 hours per month on average. This is like working 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no days off. In Vietnam, men earn $250-$300 per month, while women earn $180-$220 for similar roles (Fair Wear Foundation, 2021). This means that for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns about 72 cents.
Monthly Hours Comparison: Male vs. Female
Women
300
Cambodia
India
Veitnam
5%
270
250
260
275
265
290
280
7.1%
7.4%
6.8%
Sexual Harassment Cases by Country
Many women working in garment factories face sexual harassment (Asia Floor Wage Alliance, 2022; Human Rights Watch, 2022; Fair Wear Foundation, 2021). For example, in India, 6 out of 10 women garment workers experienced sexual harassment (Asia Floor Wage Alliance, 2022). In Bangladesh, 75% of women workers reported sexual abuse or coercion in factories (Human Rights Watch, 2022). This means that 3 out of 4 women experienced sexual abuse or coercion.
Indonesia
85%
Bangladesh
33%
80%
65%
India
Cambodia
Time Series Forecasting: Unemployed Workers
10
10.65
10.225
11.3
8.5
9.15
7
1.2
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Unemployment has seen dramatic shifts over the years. In 2019, it was at a low 1.2%, but 2020 saw a sharp spike to 10%, likely due to global disruptions. A gradual decline followed, but by 2023, rates climbed again to 10.65%.
Forecasts suggest continued fluctuations—dropping to 9.15% in 2024 before rising steadily to 11.3% by 2026. These trends highlight the need for proactive policies and strategic workforce planning to navigate an evolving job market.
Case Studies
1
Sexual Harassment in Bangladesh’s Garment Factories
A 2019 study found that 80% of female garment workers in Bangladesh had experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, molestation, or assault in their workplaces (Solidarity Center, 2023). These incidents included inappropriate touching, unwelcome comments, and, in severe cases, sexual assault. However, victims often refrain from reporting due to fear of job loss, social stigma, and a lack of trust in grievance mechanisms. One worker recounted, "If we don't meet production targets, managers verbally abuse us and sometimes even threaten physical violence.” (Atmos, 2023).
3
Exploitation of Migrant Workers in Malaysia
Migrant workers in Malaysia’s garment industry frequently endure exploitative conditions. Workers report being paid between 40 RM ($9 USD) and 70 RM ($15 USD) a day—wages that are insufficient to cover basic living expenses (Atmos, 2023). Many also face verbal abuse from supervisors if they fail to meet quotas. One worker shared, "Every day, I worry about whether I'll be able to afford food and rent." (Atmos, 2023).
2
The Dindigul Agreement: A Response to Gender-Based Violence in India
The 2021 murder of Jeyasre Kathiravel, a young garment worker in Tamil Nadu, India, by her supervisor exposed the prevalence of sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the region. Many of her colleagues described an environment of constant fear and intimidation, with one worker stating, "We were afraid to speak up because we knew there would be consequences." (UNFPA, 2024). This tragedy led to the historic Dindigul Agreement in April 2022, which implemented protections and accountability measures to eliminate workplace violence (UNFPA, 2024).
4
In 1995, authorities discovered a garment factory in El Monte, California, where 72 Thai immigrants, primarily women, were held in forced labor conditions. These workers were made to work up to 22 hours a day under the threat of violence (Wikipedia, 2023). One survivor recounted, "We were not allowed any contact with the outside world... They told us that if we tried to escape, both we and our families back home would be harmed." (Wikipedia, 2023).
Forced Labor Conditions at Garment Factory in California
5
Sexual Violence in Lesotho’s Jeans Factories
In 2019, an investigation revealed widespread sexual abuse in garment factories in Lesotho producing jeans for major brands. Women reported being coerced into sexual relationships with male supervisors to secure employment or avoid punitive actions (The Guardian, 2020). One worker stated, "The supervisor told me that if I wanted to keep my job, I had to sleep with him." (The Guardian, 2020). This systemic abuse highlights the urgent need for corporate accountability in global supply chains.
References
ILO. (2018). World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2018. International Labour Organization.
Islam, M. A., & Winkel, J. (2017). The Rana Plaza disaster and its aftermath: Is there a future for ready-made garment manufacturing in Bangladesh?. Journal of Business Ethics, 140(4), 607-623.
Khan, M. A. (2019). Gender wage gap in the ready-made garment industry of Bangladesh. Journal of Developing Areas, 53(3), 1-18.
Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2015). Primary microplastics in the oceans. IUCN.
Changing Markets Foundation. (2017). Pulse of the Fashion Industry.
Clean Clothes Campaign. (2020). Living Wage: The only way to a sustainable garment industry.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). A new textiles economy: Redesigning fashion’s future.
Mekala, H. (2016). Exploitation of Girls in the name of Sumangali Scheme in Tamil Nadu. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Modern Education, 1(1), 180-184.
Niinimäki, K., Peters, G., Dahlbo, H., Perry, P., Rissanen, T., & Gwilt, A. (2020). The environmental price of fast fashion. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1(4), 189-200
Sustain Your Style. (2021). Zara and Uniqlo called out for vague sustainability claims.
Worker Rights Consortium. (n.d.). Bangladesh: Garment worker wages.
WWF. (n.d.). The water footprint of cotton.
বিবিসি. (2018). Burberry burns £28.6m of unsold clothes to protect brand.
International Labour Organization. (n.d.). How to achieve gender equality in global garment supply chains. Retrieved from https://webapps.ilo.org/infostories/en-GB/Stories/discrimination/garment-gender
Better Work. (n.d.). Global Gender Strategy. Retrieved from https://betterwork.org/reports-and-publications/global-gender-strategy/
International Labour Organization. (n.d.). How to achieve gender equality in global garment supply chains. Retrieved from https://webapps.ilo.org/infostories/en-GB/Stories/discrimination/garment-gender
Solidarity Center. (2019). Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the Global Garment and Textile Industry. Retrieved from https://www.solidaritycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Fact-Sheet.GBVH-in-garment-industry.8.19.pdf
Teen Vogue. (2025, February 12). Fashion Industry Regulations Don't Do Enough to Protect Workers or the Planet - Here's Why. Retrieved from https://www.teenvogue.com/story/fashion-industry-regulations-workers-planet
Cambodia: CARE International. (2017). I know I cannot quit. Retrieved from https://www.care.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/SHCS_FullReport_Web.pdf
Indonesia: Better Work Indonesia. (n.d.). Baseline Survey Report: Worker Perspectives from the Factory and Beyond. Retrieved from https://betterwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Baseline-Survey-Report-Indonesia.pdf
Bangladesh: Solidarity Center. (2019). Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in the Global Garment and Textile Industry. Retrieved from https://www.solidaritycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Fact-Sheet.GBVH-in-garment-industry.8.19.pdf
India: Human Rights Watch. (2019, February 12). Combating Sexual Harassment in the Garment Industry. Retrieved from https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/02/12/combating-sexual-harassment-garment-industry
Atmos. (2023). The human cost of fast fashion. Retrieved from https://atmos.earth/the-human-cost-of-fast-fashion/
Solidarity Center. (2023). In Our Own Words: How garment workers experience violence and harassment. Retrieved from https://www.solidaritycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/In-Our-Own-Words-ENG.pdf
The Guardian. (2020). Fashion industry: Lesotho garment workers reveal widespread sexual violence. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/news/2020/aug/20/fashion-industry-jeans-lesotho-garment-factory-workers-sexual-violence
UNFPA. (2024). Garment workers: Fighting gender-based violence in the workplace. Retrieved from https://www.unfpa.org/swp2024/stories/garment-workers
Wikipedia. (2023). El Monte Thai garment slavery case. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Monte_Thai_garment_slavery_case
