In a world where value is undeniably placed on how one dresses, people often forget to question the process of how our clothes end up in our closets.
In the BloombergBusinessweek’s article, “Bangladesh’s Paradox for Poor Women Workers,” the appalling work conditions faced by garment workers in Bangladesh are highlighted. The garment industry offers opportunities for impoverished women in Bangladesh to make a living, but at a price. Workers are subjected to long hours, unsafe environments, sexual and verbal abuse, humiliating punishments for not meeting quotas, and extremely low wages.
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The growing fashion industry and constant demand for new products has lead companies to become negligent of worker’s rights. In their attempts to increase profits and cut costs, apparel companies appear to have forgotten the dignity of individual lives, and are willing to sacrifice a few workers for the sake of producing a hot commodity. Unquestionably, a connection needs to be formed between companies and workers, where the women can truthfully report on working conditions and threats they experience, without the fear of being fired. Otherwise, no reforms can be made, and workers, motivated by desperation, will continue to endure these conditions at the expense of their own lives.
Read the article here: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-05-09/bangladeshs-paradox-for-poor-women-workers
Image from Salon: http://www.salon.com/2013/05/03/how_shoppers_can_help_prevent_bangladesh_type_disasters/