Today June 12th is the World Child Labour Free Day.
With rapid changes in the world highlighting injustice and the economy due to this pandemic we see children being forced back into labour.
They say that 1 in 10 children are in labour across the globe and this statistic is set to rise because of Covid 19.
Global supply chains have been severely cut, lockdowns across India and Nepal where we manufacture have seen 84% of the workforce shut down. This migrant workforce work day to day for survival and when you miss one days work you don't eat. Survival is the main game - debts mount with families to feed and rent to pay.
Lockdowns have forced informal workers to make the long journey home on foot to their villages. Many don't make it.
In villages employment is almost nil and guess who are the first responders on the ground??
HUMAN TRAFFICKERS - waiting and propositioning children to work. Boys for labour in factories that need to pay lower wages because of the low demand globally and girls into prostitution.
THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF POVERTY CONTINUES
We are pleased to say that Goodweave International is also on the ground as a first responder for these vulnerable children. Providing relief funds as well as education.
Our manufacturers who are Goodweave certified has now resumed work and busy on producing again. For us we are reminded that things just don't go back to the way they were. They cant and they must not. Global change and the way we consume must change. Transparency , honesty and justice must be on our minds when we purchase.
They say that 30% of fashion brands will not survive the pandemic. So in order for these brands to survive they will be looking to make shortcuts to lift profits. Shortcuts will be made around the bottom end of the supply chain. Lower wages and more informal workers will be employed to meet this demand.
This breaks my heart and it is this injustice that needs to stop. Let's all do our part and purchase well. Thankyou for all your support during this pandemic. In Australia as things go back to normal remember that bottom end of the supply chain.
If you want to find out more about Goodweave International and their work. Click the links below.
Thankyou for supporting us and our workers.
Love Amy
Check out this short film about Hem who is a change maker on the ground for Goodweave who was rescued by Goodweave 18years ago.
Share Studio_M’s inspring short film Hem Moktan: He Made It.
