Awaj Foundation

Location
Bangladesh

Programme
Dela V Accelerator
in partnership with Ashoka

Website
www.awajfoundation.org

The Awaj Foundation amplifies workers’ voices for decent working conditions in the apparel supply chain

In Bangladesh, the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector is vital to the economy, providing employment opportunities to over three million, primarily unskilled women from low-income communities. Comprising over 80% of the country's export earnings, the sector makes an enormous contribution to the country's economy.

However, the benefits of this highly productive sector have yet to be equally distributed. Workers often face exploitative conditions, including low wages, unsafe working environments, and gender-based violence. Their voices are frequently unheard, and their rights are often violated, leaving them vulnerable and marginalised.

Awaj Foundation, founded in 2003 by former child worker and garment maker Nazma Akter, is dedicated to addressing these challenges. The organisation is committed to ensuring decent work, dignified lives, and gender equity in Bangladesh's industrial sectors. Awaj Foundation empowers workers by educating them on their rights, building their capacity to take leadership, and equipping them to negotiate for better working conditions.

The word "away" means sound/voice in Bengali, and by focusing on collective action and amplifying workers' voices, the organisation works to bring about systemic change in the RMG sector. Additionally, as a women-led organisation, the Awaj Foundation prioritises gender equity and actively addresses gender-based violence in all its initiatives.

Since its inception, the Awaj Foundation has expanded its reach and services significantly. Recognising that garment workers have diverse needs beyond labour rights, the foundation now addresses issues such as reproductive health, domestic violence, and education for workers' children. With the support of international development agencies, the Awaj Foundation has established 22 offices and community centres, providing crucial services to over 740,000 workers across 12 major industrial clusters in Dhaka and Chittagong Divisions.

Programme support

Through the Dela programme, the Awaj Foundation hopes to gain valuable insights that will enhance its organisational development. With a focus on leadership development, networking, and mentorship, it aims to scale up its efforts. We look forward to supporting the Awaj Foundation as it continues to empower workers and transform lives across Bangladesh.