In a major development for Bangladesh’s important textile and apparel industry, the H&M Foundation revealed its plan to invest €9 million over the next three years to promote climate action. This funding will support the second phase of the “Oporajita” initiative, a collaborative program dedicated to empowering women garment workers while accelerating the industry’s transition towards a net-zero future. This commitment marks a pivotal step in fostering a more sustainable and equitable industrial landscape in Bangladesh. The Oporajita initiative, launched in 2022, is a multi-stakeholder effort bringing together various non-governmental organizations, government bodies, and startups. Its core mission is to equip women in the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector with essential skills, robust support networks, and increased resilience, enabling them to thrive amidst evolving industry demands and climate challenges. The second phase, spanning from 2025 to 2027, will intensify its focus on decarbonization, climate resilience, and advocating for worker-centered policies. A key aspect of this new phase involves future-proofing factories and workers against climate disruptions.This involves working together with factory managers and employees to develop useful tools and advice for dealing with climate change and managing heat stress. Initiatives will cover awareness training, risk assessments, and the implementation of crucial workplace measures like hydration support. Such proactive steps are vital for safeguarding the health and productivity of the workforce in a changing climate. Additionally, this investment will aid in enhancing the effectiveness of policies aimed at achieving a fair climate transition.This means advancing collective advocacy for policies that not only promote decarbonization but also prioritize worker wellbeing and ensure an equitable transition.The project seeks to create an ecosystem for climate innovation. It will assist startups and inventors in creating circular and low-emission solutions for the ready-made garments sector while involving industry leaders to help expand these efforts. these impactful innovations. Prior successes of Oporajita’s first phase lay a strong foundation for this new investment. The initiative empowered over 1,400 women to secure roles in the circular economy, achieved a remarkable 60% job placement rate, and facilitated an average 13% income growth for participants. Thousands more received leadership and entrepreneurship training, showcasing the program’s tangible positive impact. Charlotte Brunnström, who is the Programme Director at the H&M Foundation, stated, “With Oporajita, we are not just dealing with automation and climate challenges; we are changing who takes the lead in these efforts. Women workers may be seen as vulnerable, but they are also key to finding solutions.” This funding supports Bangladesh’s path to a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive textile sector.
