April 24, 2013 saw the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh. This deadly event has sadly become a symbol of the abuses of fast fashion.
Why? It revealed the deplorable conditions under which the workers in these factories work, the latter supplying various international clothing brands such as Mango, Carrefour, Primark etc.
Although cracks in the building had already been reported by workers the day before and evacuation requested, they were still forced to work. More than 1,130 people died when the building collapsed.
8 years later, what has really changed?
Since this event, a number of associations have sought justice for the victims of this tragedy by demanding compensation from the owners and bosses of these workshops, among others.
But while fashion companies, even French ones, were sourcing from factories like Rana Plaza, they were not legally liable for the actions of their subsidiaries or subcontractors.
6 months after the collapse, in November 2013, a law was proposed to the National Assembly relating to the "duty of vigilance of parent companies and ordering companies". It was finally 4 years later, on March 27, 2017, that the law was passed.
Fashion Week Revolution
In Bangladesh, workers continue to demonstrate and strike for better wages and conditions, but struggle to get their demands heard.
It was in the wake of this tragedy that the "Fashion Revolution" collective was founded by Carry Somers, a pioneer of ethical fashion in the UK. This movement advocates more socially and ecologically responsible fashion, and aims to inform, alert and encourage consumers to demand transparency and find out what's behind the labels on their clothes. Hence the slogan "Who made my clothes?".
The movement takes action by researching, proposing educational content, collaborating with countries and companies, mobilizing and taking action, and demanding greater transparency and respect for workers' rights.
Particularly during the week known as "Fashion Revolution Week" (around the date of April 24 (this year from April 19 to 25)), live events, social network operations and educational courses on all subjects relating to the textile industry, human rights, eco-responsibility, etc. will take place. It's a very important week, and even more so this year when we consider the impact the pandemic has had on workers in the textile industry.
And even if there's still a long way to go, we can all do our bit by choosing to boycott a particular brand if we feel it's not in line with the values we wish to defend and what's important to us. Because buying is voting!
At Elia, we're convinced that the economy should never jeopardize respect for human rights and workers' health. That's why we choose to produce as close to you as possible, in France, and to rely on certifications: discover all our menstrual panties !
On the same subject: Why do sanitary pads pollute?
To find out more
The True Cost
Arte - The underbelly of low-cost fashion
https://www.fashionrevolution.org
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