Primark signs DFID partnership to improve well-being of garment workers

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jan 6, 2016

Irish retail giant Primark has entered into a new partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) to improve working conditions for its garment workers, it announced on Wednesday.

Targeted at Bangladesh, Pakistan, Burma, Ethiopia and India, the partnership will combine the networks and expertise of both organisations to improve the well-being of local workers, as well as bolster national economic development and help alleviate poverty.

A large part of the programme will focus on driving positive change for women by proving gender equality training in garment factories and training female nurses in Bangladesh through the HERhealth organisation.

Together, Primark and DFID will also concentrate on developing sustainable and ethical garment sectors in existing and new sourcing markets, such as Burma and East Africa. The institutions will also share lessons from response to the Rana Plaza disaster, including Primark’s work with local partners in Bangladesh to provide short-term and long-term support to the victims and their families.