Empowering Women Through Fair Work: Celebrating International Women's Day 2025

Tomorrow, Saturday 8th March is International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025. It’s a time to both celebrate progress and take action toward a more equal future. This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," calls for urgent and collective efforts to break down the barriers holding women back—because at the current rate of progress, full gender equality won’t be achieved until 2158, nearly five generations from now.

Source: International Women’s Day Website

International Women’s Day 2025 Theme is Accelerate Action

At Jenerous, we believe that fashion should be part of the solution. As a female-led ethical fashion brand, we are committed to empowering women in India through fair work, tailoring training, and sustainable employment opportunities. By aligning with the 10 Principles of Fair Trade—particularly the principle of Equality—and supporting Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality), we are working to create lasting change for the women we collaborate with.

Jenerous was founded following a trip to India where our founder saw the need for work, especially for women. This inspirational trip motivated Jenny to do what she could to make a positive difference to the lives of women in India.

The Indian women who inspired our founder to start Jenerous

Why Gender Equality in Fashion Needs Urgent Action

Women make up approximately 80% of the global garment workforce, yet they continue to face low wages, unsafe working conditions, and limited opportunities for career growth. The fast fashion industry has long exploited female workers, prioritizing speed and profit over fair treatment and ethical wages.

The "Accelerate Action" theme reminds us that waiting another century for equality is unacceptable. The time to act is now—by ensuring that the women behind our clothes are treated with dignity, paid fairly, and provided with the skills to create a better future.

Choosing Fair Trade fashion is a vote for gender equality as well as safe working conditions and fair pay for producers. You can find out more about our commitment to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade here. Details relating to Principle 6: Commitment to Non Discrimination, Gender Equity and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and Freedom of Association can be found on the WFTO website here.

The Four Biggest Challenges Faced by Female Garment Workers

Women make up the majority of the global garment workforce, yet they continue to face significant barriers that limit their opportunities and rights. From unequal pay to discrimination, these challenges highlight the urgent need to #AccelerateAction for gender equality in the fashion industry.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) the four biggest challenges faced by female garment workers are:

1. Women Struggle to Have Their Voices Heard

Many female garment workers lack representation in decision-making roles, including workplace committees, unions, and leadership positions. Cultural biases, gender stereotypes, and the unequal burden of unpaid care work often prevent women from advocating for their rights or taking on managerial roles. Without stronger worker protections and collective bargaining, their voices remain unheard.

2. The Gender Pay Gap Remains Wide

Despite performing the same tasks as men, women in the garment sector earn consistently lower wages. They are overrepresented in low-wage jobs within supply chains and often face limited opportunities for career advancement. Equal pay for equal work is still far from reality, making financial independence a challenge for many female garment workers.

3. Unpaid Care Responsibilities Limit Opportunities

Women, especially mothers with lower education levels, often struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. A lack of affordable childcare, rigid work schedules, and gendered expectations around caregiving prevent many women from advancing in their careers or accessing better-paid positions.

4. Gender-Based Violence and Harassment is Pervasive

Female garment workers face high levels of sexual harassment, discrimination, and violence. Economic insecurity, long working hours, and unsafe environments expose women to exploitation and abuse.

How Can We Accelerate Action for Women in Fashion?

At Jenerous, we are committed to breaking these barriers by:

✅ Providing fair wages and ethical employment
✅ Supporting women with tailoring training and career opportunities
✅ Advocating for gender equality and worker protections
✅ Ensuring safe and respectful workplaces

Women learning to sew at the vocational training centre Jenerous supports.

How Jenerous is Accelerating Action for Women in India

At Jenerous, we are dedicated to fair fashion that empowers women. Here’s how we’re taking action to drive change:

1. Providing Fair Wages & Ethical Employment

We work with Fair Trade suppliers in India to offer fair wages and safe working conditions for female artisans and producers. When women earn a living wage, they can support their families, gain financial independence, and invest in their communities. You can find out more about our suppliers here. Fair Trade suppliers are also committed to gender equality which is one of the 10 Principles of Fair Trade.

2. Tailoring Training for Sustainable Livelihoods

The tailoring training programme that we support provides women with valuable sewing and production skills, enabling them to earn a steady income or start their own businesses. By equipping women with these skills, we help create long-term employment opportunities, breaking cycles of poverty.

3. Promoting Gender Equality Through Fair Trade

Fair Trade fashion isn’t just about ethical clothing—it’s about advocating for women’s rights, fair pay, and safe working environments. Every purchase from a Fair Trade brand supports gender equality, ensuring that women are treated without discrimination. Many of the businesses that we have partnered with in India are run by inspirational women like Padmini at Tharangini and Beth at Jacobswell.

How You Can Accelerate Action This International Women’s Day

1. Shop Fair Trade – Support brands that prioritize women’s empowerment, fair wages, and ethical working conditions.

2. Raise Awareness – Share the message of #AccelerateAction to help highlight the urgency of achieving gender equality.

3. Support Female-Led Businesses – Investing in women-owned businesses helps drive positive change in industries worldwide.

Let’s Stand up for gender equality Now

This International Women’s Day 2025, we’re committed to prioritising gender equality and will continue using fashion as a tool for economic empowerment, skill-building, and fair employment for women in India.

We can ‘Accelerate Action’ for a future where women are empowered, treated fairly, and given the opportunities they deserve.