"How can the fashion industry take steps to prevent child labour and promote ethical production?"

13 may 2024 

Retailers and buying companies face huge challenges in tackling child labour. When they find it, it is crucial to protect the interests of the children concerned. This specific article covers the importance of child labour and how children can be prevented from working at an early age without safety.​

Child labour (ethical trading initiative)​

Child labour remains a significant issue globally, with millions of children engaged in various forms of work instead of attending school and enjoying their childhood. While most child laborers are in developing regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean, it's crucial to note that developed economies also struggle with this problem. According to estimates, there are approximately 211 million children under the age of 15 involved in some form of labour worldwide. Among these, Asia hosts the largest proportion, accounting for 60 percent of the total. However, there are also significant numbers in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Due to poverty and unawareness, the families of these underprivileged children know better than to question the quality in which their sons and daughters are being treated, or to demand for their rights as workers. Child fashion workers are not only made to work in critically substandard conditions all day long; they are also stripped of their fundamental right to education.

Garment and footwear manufacturing, glass production, leather tanning, stone quarries, and gemstone mining are among the sectors where children are commonly found working. These children often endure harsh conditions, including long working hours, unsafe environments, and minimal consideration for their rights. In many cases, they are deprived of access to education and necessities, and their work may perpetuate cycles of poverty and exploitation.​

Brands usually hire cheap labor to earn as must as possible. How do they do this? First, they started concentrating on the developing and underdeveloped countries for their production purposes. Next, they hire children to work for them because parents in these countries need money to survive and don't choose to send their children to work. Poverty and unawareness do that to people. These prominent fashion brands take advantage of that and start the whole era of unethical practice. And notably, these children work under bad working conditions and are also denied their fundamental rights, such as studying or being educated. isn't that horrible?!

Despite efforts to combat child labour through legislation, advocacy, and social programs, the issue persists due to various factors such as poverty, lack of access to education, inadequate enforcement of labour laws, and cultural norms. Addressing child labour requires a multifaceted approach involving governments, international organizations, NGOs, and communities to ensure that children are protected, educated, and given opportunities for a better future.​

How can child labour be brought to an end?

To ensure that child labour could be prevented globally is by helping children to escape dangerous environments as soon as possible, and implementing initiatives for their mental healthcare and reintegration. Removing children from hazardous work environments is crucial for their safety and well-being. Simultaneously, providing them with mental healthcare and opportunities for reintegration into society are essential steps toward their recovery and development.

A child protection personnel can offer support to both children and their families, ensuring that they receive the necessary services and assistance. Additionally, strong advocacy for policies and programs aimed at preventing child labour and supporting its victims is vital for creating sustainable change.

Ways consumers can take actions for an ethical lifestyle:

• consumers need to choose Eco-friendly garments: Organic, natural and bio-degradable materials over toxic synthetic materials.

• consumers should choose wisely garments that last forever. 'Choose quality'.

• consumers should shop local and hand-made for a lower carbon footprint and for the strength of the local economy.

• consumers should do Constant Research and find out who made their clothes and how the company treats their workers.

Written by Elisabeth

Edited by Elisabeth