LightCastle Analytics Wing
Embracing Wellbeing: Nurturing the Future of Apparel Workers in the Industry
Bunon 2030 Initiative
The apparel industry in Bangladesh has been a cornerstone of the country’s economic growth over the
past few decades. Being the world’s second-largest exporter of garments, Bangladesh has established
itself as a key player in the global apparel supply chain.
With over four million workers directly involved in the sector, more than half of whom are women, the trends that influence and shape the apparel landscape have the potential to radically alter the lives and livelihoods of women all over the country.
In Bangladesh, the H&M Foundation has funded the “Oporajita: Collective Impact on Future of Work
in Bangladesh” initiative that brings together 11 implementation partners, 3 co-funders, and 1
backbone organization with a common goal of futureproofing women garment workers in Bangladesh.
Oporajita aims to equip women apparel workers in Bangladesh for a future where the apparel industry
is defined by automation and digitalization to safeguard their livelihoods and wellbeing.
As a part of the 2-year long program, LightCastle Partners–in collaboration with Policy Exchange of
Bangladesh–has introduced Bunon 2030, a dedicated initiative to empower Bangladeshi women
garment workers in the face of increasing automation in the industry.
The project intends to improve sector competitiveness, skills development, and employment opportunities for women apparel workers based on an improved understanding of the impact of technology and automation on the apparel industry. In addition, Bunon 2030 aims to strengthen the apparel industry for the next decade— adapting to the emergence of the 4th Industrial Revolution, changing Geopolitics, Circularity, Decarbonization, and Automation.
The initiative has taken on the task of conducting comprehensive scenario mapping, evaluating essential policy imperatives, organizing a series of dialogues, fostering collaborations with stakeholders across various sectors, and hosting national-level events involving innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers. All these efforts are aimed at safeguarding and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods for women garment workers in the face of future changes.
Worker Wellbeing in the Garment Industry
The global apparel industry is currently grappling with significant challenges as it undergoes a shift
towards a more circular economy. Industries worldwide are placing increased emphasis on
environmental considerations to achieve sustainable solutions. However, as we navigate the complex
landscape of the global garment industry, it becomes evident that the challenges extend beyond the
environmental impact to encompass the fundamental aspects of worker wellbeing.
Parallel to the environmental concerns associated with apparel production, the working conditions under which employees operate present a pressing need for examination and reform. With the imminent global shift towards automation within the apparel industry, Bangladesh is also embracing this change. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this transition will impact workers, particularly those engaged in low-skilled
roles that may be replaced by automation. Furthermore, it is imperative to assess whether proper
benefits related to healthcare, childcare facilities, fair wages, and gender equity are present within the
system.
The garment industry, valued at USD 45 billion, plays a pivotal role not only in fashion but in the lives of
millions of workers. Hence, it’s crucial to acknowledge the human aspect of this industry. Worker
wellbeing, often overshadowed by production metrics, automation, and gender-biased task distribution,
emerges as a critical factor that demands our attention.
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