H&M Foundation invests €9m on Bangladesh textile climate action

H&M Foundation has invested in Oporajita, which is a collaborative effort designed to empower women working in Bangladesh’s garment industry as it moves towards net-zero emissions. The initiative, launched in 2022, involves various stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations, government representatives, and start-ups, aimed at providing women in the ready-made garment sector with essential skills and support networks. The second phase of Oporajita, scheduled for 2025 to 2027, will emphasise climate adaptation and mitigation while maintaining a focus on the needs of female garment workers. Priorities for Oporajita Phase II This stage aims to future-proof factories and workers against climate disruptions by co-creating tools and guidance on climate adaptation and heat stress management. It will involve awareness training, risk assessments, and workplace measures in collaboration with factory managers and workers. A key aspect involves deepening policy impact for a fair climate transition. It includes advancing advocacy for policies that support decarbonisation, worker wellbeing, and an equitable transition through policy analysis, stakeholder dialogue, and targeted recommendations. Improving agency and wellbeing is another significant goal. The initiative plans to provide climate-resilient WASH facilities, accessible childcare, parenting support, and build financial and digital literacy among women. Efforts will also be made to address gender-based violence and challenge norms that limit women’s roles in technology and leadership. Oporajita reportedly made a tangible impact despite global challenges in its initial phase. The initiative enabled 1,416 women to secure future-facing roles in the circular economy, securing a 60% job placement rate and 13% average income growth. Efforts to bolster leadership have resulted in over 16,000 women undergoing training tailored to address gender issues. Additionally, 60 female workers and community figures have been empowered to drive transformation within their factories and neighbourhoods. The initiative also trained 1,628 out-of-work garment workers in entrepreneurship, with more than half starting their own businesses. Furthermore, Oporajita facilitated the generation of nearly 500 new jobs in the sector and aided 20 start-ups. These enterprises focus on comprehensive strategies that enhance women’s job prospects, advocate for sustainable manufacturing practices, and reinforce the industry’s robustness. H&M Foundation programme director Charlotte Brunnström said: “Through Oporajita, we’re not only responding to automation and climate risk, we’re redefining who gets to lead the response. Women workers are often portrayed as vulnerable, but they are also solution-drivers. This phase is about giving them a seat at the table as the industry designs its net-zero future.” The implementing partners of Oporajita are Center for Communication Action Bangladesh (C-Cab), CARE Bangladesh, Build Bangladesh, Save the Children Bangladesh, LightCastle Partners, Swisscontact, WaterAid Bangladesh. The programme draws insights from the “Just Climate Transitions in Bangladesh” report by consulting firm FSG, backed by the H&M Foundation and Laudes Foundation. The report provides a systems-level framework for aligning climate goals with social protections in global supply chains.

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