Fashion as Feminism | The Feminist Revolution Of Ethical Fashion

WOMEN AT THE HEART OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY

The global fashion industry is vast, employing over 75 million people, with an overwhelming 80% being women, predominantly working in developing countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India. Despite their dominant presence in the workforce, many of these women frequently endure harsh working conditions and receive wages that are barely sufficient to support themselves or their families. The relentless demand for cheap and rapid production from the fast fashion industry exacerbates the exploitation of these women, often trapping them in unsafe working environments with minimal rights and protections.

However, the growth of sustainable fashion is beginning to challenge this troubling status quo. Ethical fashion brands emphasise transparency and fairness, ensuring that workers, particularly women, are treated with dignity and respect. Currently, only 2% of fashion workers earn a living wage, according to the organisation Fashion Revolution, which underscores the urgent need for significant reform in the industry. Fair-trade principles are pivotal in addressing these inequities by guaranteeing that women in garment factories are fairly compensated for their labour, helping to break the cycle of poverty that has long plagued the industry.

Ethical fashion is not just a passing trend; it represents a lifeline for millions of women, offering them the chance for a safer working environment and a more dignified livelihood that can uplift their communities. 

EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN IN THE GARMENT INDUSTRY

While women form the backbone of the garment industry, they are also its most vulnerable workers. In many instances, women are paid less than men for performing the same roles. For instance, in Bangladesh, women frequently earn significantly less than their male counterparts and are less likely to be promoted to supervisory positions. Male workers tend to be preferred for higher-paying jobs, while women remain in low-wage, labour-intensive roles, reinforcing a deep and systemic gender divide that is difficult to overcome.

Moreover, women working in garment factories often face severe physical and verbal harassment. A 2020 report by Human Rights Watch revealed that female workers in Cambodia and Bangladesh frequently experienced sexual harassment from supervisors, with little to no recourse available to them. This kind of targeted exploitation is disproportionately rare among male workers, highlighting the stark gender inequality that is embedded within the industry and its operations.

In addition to harassment, women often work significantly longer hours, sometimes up to 14 or 16 hours a day, and are more likely to be denied maternity leave or to face discrimination related to pregnancy. In countries such as India, pregnant women are frequently pressured to resign or are outright dismissed when they seek to start a family, while male workers are not subject to similar job insecurities related to family responsibilities, thereby creating an uneven playing field.

SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS: A FEMINIST IMPERATIVE  

The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh in 2013, which claimed the lives of 1,134 workers – most of whom were women – remains a glaring example of the dangers that garment workers face in fast fashion. This catastrophe brought global attention to the unsafe and perilous conditions in which these women were forced to work. In contrast, sustainable fashion prioritises worker safety, partnering with factories that provide clean, secure working environments. Ethical brands ensure that women no longer have to risk their lives for a paycheck, thus making workplace safety a feminist imperative that must be upheld across the industry.

Beyond ensuring safety, ethical brands also make it a priority to guarantee that female workers have access to essential benefits such as healthcare, maternity leave, and social security – benefits that are often denied in exploitative fast fashion setups. This comprehensive approach to worker welfare significantly enhances the quality of life for women, offering them the dignity and respect that they truly deserve.

GENDER EQUALITY IN THE FASHION SUPPLY CHAIN  

Sustainable fashion brands are also actively working to address gender inequality within their supply chains by promoting women to leadership roles. Companies like Patagonia and Everlane are paving the way by ensuring that women are not only treated fairly in the production process but also have opportunities to advance into decision-making positions. This shift empowers women beyond the factory floor, allowing them to influence the very structure of the industry they work in, and helps create a more equitable power dynamic.

By fostering a more inclusive environment, ethical fashion brands are dismantling long-standing gender barriers and biases. Women are no longer just workers; they are leaders and change-makers within the fashion industry, helping to shape its future and set new standards for what ethical practices should look like.

Sustainable fashion is, at its core, a feminist movement. By prioritising fair wages, safe working conditions, and gender equality, ethical fashion empowers women, particularly in developing countries where exploitation is rampant and systemic. As consumers become increasingly aware of the broader impact of their purchasing choices, the momentum behind sustainable fashion continues to build. Supporting ethical brands means not only contributing to environmental sustainability but also advocating for women’s rights and fostering a more equitable global fashion industry for generations to come.

+ Words:
Aoife Morrall
Luxiders Magazine Contributor

+ Image Highlight:
© Lindsey Lamont via Unsplash