International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration; it serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing need to protect women’s rights in workplaces around the globe. It also reminds us to reflect on progress towards gender equity and the work that still lies ahead of us. Let’s be honest, nobody is perfect, but that allows room to continuously learn and strive to do better.
In the textile industry, this conversation is particularly important. Women account for a large portion of the garment workforce worldwide, yet many still experience discrimination, unsafe working conditions, harassment, and obstacles to stable and respectful jobs.
Recognising the contributions of women goes beyond just saying “thanks”; it requires creating systems that protect their dignity, health, safety and job security. This is where clear standards and independent checks become vital.
Our new GOTS Version 8.0 enhances protections for workers by establishing specific requirements for certified entities to create workplaces that respect and protect all employees, especially those who may be more vulnerable to discrimination or unfair treatment.
Turning commitments into action requires more than statements of intent. It requires systems, accountability and especially independent verification.
GOTS therefore demands that certified entities must not discriminate against workers based on hiring, pay, growth opportunities, or job assignments. Every worker should be treated with dignity and respect!
Additionally, GOTS-entities must take a strict stand against harassment and violence, including sexual harassment. To achieve this, they need to provide:
- Private ways for workers to report abuse or harassment
- Quick responses to allegations
- Clear rules for handling complaints
- Protection against any form of abuse, whether physical, verbal, sexual or emotional
These measure for the sake of protection are especially crucial in fields where the balance of power can leave women more susceptible to mistreatment or exploitation.
Supporting Women’s Employment and Family Rights
Upholding women’s rights also means ensuring they can work without facing repercussions due to marriage, pregnancy, or family obligations. We believe women should never have to decide between their jobs and their rights as mothers. GOTS helps in safeguarding the health, safety, and job security of pregnant workers and mothers.
This includes:
- Preventing job losses or setbacks caused by pregnancy
- Protecting women from pressure concerning marriage or pregnancy
- Making sure workers with family responsibilities are not discriminated against
Advocating for Safe Care Products
Ensuring women can work with dignity and protection is one essential piece of the puzzle. Another is ensuring that the products designed for women’s bodies are equally safe and transparent! True empowerment means giving people the information and assurance they need to make choices aligned with their health and values.
Safe and sustainable menstrual care shouldn’t be revolutionary nowadays, but in many ways, it still is.
With increasing research highlighting potentially harmful ingredients in conventional pads and tampons, more consumers are asking an important question: What exactly is touching my skin where it is most sensitive?
GOTS-certified menstrual products made from organic natural materials and produced under strict environmental and health guidelines provide an alternative built on transparency and responsibility.
This means:
- Fibres are grown without toxic pesticides or hazardous chemicals
- Processing steps must meet strict environmental and chemical management criteria
- Products are verified to be free from harmful inputs
- Workers across the supply chain are protected under strict social criteria
This approach protects not only the health of the people using these products, but also the workers involved in producing them.
Standards like GOTS help turn these ideas into reality across global supply chains. Women’s rights, including the right to safe work, fair treatment, and dignity, should never be considered optional!
