The textile and apparel sector has long been a pillar of industrial development across many developing economies. It contributes significantly to employment, national GDPs, and export revenues. Yet, behind the global sheen of fashion and economic figures lies a more complex and often invisible reality millions of women and informal workers who sustain this sector through their labor. These individuals, though essential to the production process, remain under-recognized, underpaid, and underserved in both policy frameworks and supply chain governance.
Globally, over 75 million people are employed in the textile and garment industry, and a significant portion of this workforce operates within informal structures, particularly across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In India, approximately 80% of the textile workforce is informally employed without written contracts, social security, or reliable dispute mechanisms. Within this segment, women dominate roles in spinning, stitching, embroidery, and packaging, often working from home or in unregistered units. These workers, despite playing a vital role in meeting global production demands, exist on the margins unseen by formal systems, and vulnerable to exploitation and unsafe working conditions.
The challenges faced by women in this space go beyond informality. Gender bias, cultural constraints, and limited mobility compound the difficulties they face. Many are engaged as piece-rate workers or informal helpers, earning significantly less than men for comparable work. They are often excluded from skill development opportunities, leadership roles, and industry dialogue, further limiting their upward mobility.
However, acknowledging and investing in these women and informal workers is not merely a matter of social justice it presents a clear economic opportunity. Numerous studies have shown that improving labor conditions and investing in upskilling, particularly for women, leads to measurable increases in productivity, quality, and supply chain resilience. When women gain economic empowerment, the benefits ripple across their families and communities, driving long-term social and economic gains. They reinvest in healthcare, education, and well-being, strengthening the human capital of future generations.
The future of the textile industry must include a shift toward integration, where informal workers are brought into formal systems, supported by labor rights, skill-building, and social protections. National schemes such as India’s Samarth initiative for skill development can serve as platforms to train and uplift informal women workers, especially when delivered through grassroots channels like community cooperatives. Training must extend beyond technical expertise to include financial literacy, digital access, and leadership development, enabling women to participate in decision-making and entrepreneurship.
Technology also holds transformative potential in bridging the inclusion gap. Mobile platforms can provide access to job opportunities, wage standards, training resources, and grievance redressal mechanisms. At the supply chain level, traceability tools such as blockchain can ensure recognition and fair compensation for even the most invisible tiers of labor.
Industry must also bear responsibility. Brands and buyers play a central role in influencing labor practices through sourcing decisions. Ethical procurement, transparency, and support for suppliers prioritizing worker welfare are essential. Multi-stakeholder initiatives like the Fair Wear Foundation and Ethical Trading Initiative provide collaborative frameworks for enforcing labor rights and embedding accountability across supply chains.
This is a pivotal moment for the textile industry one where ethics, business, and sustainability must converge. The global push toward conscious consumption and responsible fashion presents an opportunity to reimagine the textile value chain as inclusive, equitable, and resilient. Policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers alike must work in unison to ensure that the millions who sustain this industry are finally seen, valued, and empowered.
These women and informal workers have quietly held up the textile sector with resilience and skill. It is time for the world to hold them up with opportunity, dignity, and lasting support.
