The new centre in Tunisia, jointly operated by the Fédération Générale du Textile, de l'Habillement, Chaussure et Cuir (FGTHCC-UGTT) and the workers' rights group IndustriAll, aims to advocate for women’s rights, particularly the ratification of Convention 190 (C190).

Inaugurated during the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) textile workers' week, the centre hosted a women’s meeting focused on promoting women’s engagement and leadership within the Trade Union of Garment and Textile Workers (TGSL) unions.

This initiative follows the global framework agreement between IndustriAll and ASOS signed in 2017. IndustriAll highlighted that the women's centre is part of a larger effort to ensure women in the garment sector receive the support they need to fight for better conditions and fair treatment.

IndustriAll believes that Asos’ sponsorship of the women’s centre aligns with the company’s Fashion with Integrity strategy, which aims to address human rights issues throughout its supply chain.

Adil Rehman, head of human rights at Asos, emphasised the company's commitment to meaningful corporate social responsibility, stating: "For us, it's not just about ticking a box when it comes to corporate social responsibility. We’re committed to making real progress by investing in resources on the ground and ensuring long-term sustainability."

Ceren Isat from Asos' human rights department, added: "We’re proud to be part of this project. This will be a place where women can access the support they need, including legal advice, and feel empowered to stand up for their rights."

Issues plaguing women workers in MENA region

IndustriAll explained that at the meeting, delegates from Palestine, Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan highlighted the challenges women face in the garment industry, including workplace violence and the need for increased representation within unions.

IndustriAll noted there is not enough legislation protecting women, with enforcement often falling short, claiming that unions are advocating for the ratification of ILO C190 to enhance protections.

Additionally, concerns were raised about poor sanitary conditions in factories, with a representative from Mauritius reporting that "hundreds of workers share a single toilet."

IndustriAll pointed out that in Lesotho, the prevalence of sexual harassment and exploitation has prompted recent legislative action, including the ratification of ILO Convention 190 and new occupational health and safety laws.

According to IndustriAll regional secretary Ahmed Kamel, this is another step forward in the implementation of the action plan to support women workers in the industrial sector and a unique initiative to use the Global Framework Agreement (GFA) in the region.

Kamel added: "Our sister leaders of IndustriAll MENA women network and IndustriALL Tunisian women network fight every day for more space for women. We trust that this new centre will contribute to the promotion of women's actions and the work plans of the respective women's structures."

This article was originally published by IndustriAll.

In August, Tunisia’s state-owned textile sector technical development unit CETTEX told Just Style it has two new quality testing laboratories that will offer competitive services for the textile and clothing industries in North Africa.