Low pay and dangerous working conditions continue to dominate the global garment industry, with nine out of 10 women and girls, who comprise about 75 % of its workforce, paid less than a living wage. Enhancing the transparency of complex value chains, with up to 15 distinct stages between the production of raw materials and the consumer buying a finished garment, is key to shifting the corporate secrecy about conditions in overseas factories. This requires mapping intricate value chains and establishing a standard range of information about every factory involved in manufacturing. This will enable informed consumer choices for more ethically sourced clothing. Participants will debate concrete solutions that build on industry good practices and create a fairer way to stock the world’s garment shops.
