Kontoor supports HERhealth in Bangladesh and Kenya
Kontoor Brands' Responsible Sourcing teams have partnered Business for Social Responsibility’s HERhealth project across Bangladeshi and Kenyan factory partners to increase healthcare knowledge, health services and products for women.
Wesley Gibson, vice-president and managing director of product supply at Kontoor Brands, said: “In Bangladesh, women comprise more than 65% of the garment industry workforce.“That’s why it’s critically important for us to protect and promote women’s rights in the workplace, and engage in projects like HERhealth – a programme that educates women on nutrition, hygiene practices, children’s health and family planning.”
The improved women’s health awareness and behaviour has proven to reduce health-related absenteeism and improve worker-management relations, according to the association.
Smita Nimilita, Bangladesh country representative of HERproject, said: “Global brands have the opportunity to create major positive impacts for women’s health by collaborating with their suppliers. This kind of collaboration and investment is more important than ever.”
Photo credit: HERproject
