“Equal pay in the textile industry remains a significant global challenge, particularly for women, who make up a large portion of the workforce yet are disproportionately represented in low-wage roles and face discrimination. Several factors contribute to the gender pay gap, including occupational segregation, where women are often placed in lower-skilled, lower-paying positions. Additionally, there are limited opportunities for overtime and career advancement, as well as a lack of transparent, gender-neutral criteria for pay and bonuses (ILO 2020)”.
On 18 September, International Equal Pay Day, the world is reminded of a truth we should never forget: equal pay for work of equal value is a fundamental human right. Yet, across regions and sectors, women are still paid on average 20% less than men. This wage gap highlights persistent inequalities, from structural barriers in workplaces to the unrecognised burden of unpaid care work.
At Global Standard, we recognise that human dignity is non-negotiable. Our GOTS criteria not only focus on ecological integrity but also respect and equality for all people in textile value chains.
That means:
- No discrimination of any kind in recruitment or employment.
- Equal pay for work of equal value, regardless of people’s origin, religion, background, sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Safe and fair working conditions for every individual.
Always Aiming Higher
“To address the issue, initiatives are focusing on promoting living wages, enhancing women’s skills and leadership, improving workplace safety, and strengthening the bargaining power of workers through collective action (ILO 2020).”
GOTS is a dynamic & living framework. Each revision period is an opportunity to raise the bar, to align with global best practices, and to ensure that our criteria reflect both environmental and social justice. Just as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for gender equality, GOTS commits to strengthening the requirements so certified supply chains become part of the solution and not the problem.
We know that equality is not achieved overnight. It requires constant vigilance, monitoring and improvement. And it requires consumers, brands, certifiers and civil society working together to close the gaps that persist.
How We as Consumers Are Directly Connected
When you choose GOTS-certified textile products, you are not just choosing organic fabrics, natural materials or environmentally friendly dyes. You are making a choice that resonates with workers’ rights and equal treatment. A GOTS label means that the people who made your clothes are protected by a system that actively prohibits discrimination and promotes fair labour practices.
Every purchase sends a signal. By supporting GOTS-certified textiles, consumers are directly linked to the goal of implementing Human Rights and social standards in the workplace all around the world. It is a reminder that textiles are not only about aesthetics or price, but about the people #BehindTheSeams, whose work deserves dignity and recognition.
