On a notable Tuesday afternoon, the University of Michigan’s Donia Human Rights Center welcomed Jennifer Rosenbaum, the executive director of Global Labor Justice, for an engaging lecture on the plight of garment workers in the Global South. Addressing around 150 attendees in Weiser Hall, her talk shone a light on the challenges faced particularly by women in this sector.
Leila Kawar, an associate professor of American culture, introduced Rosenbaum, linking the event to the President’s Advisory Committee on Labor Standards and Human Rights, which has been guiding University President Santa Ono on labour policies. This lecture was also a tribute to the committee’s significant 25th anniversary.
Rosenbaum initiated her address by highlighting the ongoing struggles of workers in the Global South and the need for their voices to echo across borders. She expressed the importance of creating genuine organisational ecosystems that honour the leadership in these regions, pivotal for crafting effective social justice strategies.
During her discourse, Rosenbaum underscored the inadequate wages that garment workers receive, primarily affecting women, who account for nearly 60% of the workforce globally. She described the dire implications of earning below a minimum living wage, noting that it poses a continual threat to their livelihoods and basic human needs.
Addressing ways to enhance the living conditions of garment workers, Rosenbaum stressed the necessity of solidarity among workers across the globe. She noted, “To fight for more equality in the global economy requires worker organisations and their members…” emphasizing a collective approach.
Highlighting a successful case, Rosenbaum recounted the 2022 Dindigul Agreement achieved by a women’s union in Tamil Nadu, India, which aimed to eradicate gender-based violence. She passionately narrated how the workers united following a tragic incident to ensure dignity and respect in their workplaces.
Since the ratification of this agreement, positive changes have been reported. At a recent Cornell University study, it was revealed that the agreement has significantly contributed to preventing gender-based abuse while also tackling issues related to migration and discrimination.
Mark Tallents, a senior at LSA, reflected on Rosenbaum’s insights, attracted by the urgent need to address labour violations linked with Nike. He noted the University of Michigan’s substantial Nike contract and the pivotal role students can play in advocating for ethical practices in apparel production.
Tallents encouraged peers to forge connections with global workers, stating, “The more solidarity we build between ourselves, the more we are able to resist these exploitative systems…”. He advocated for action and involvement in movements that champion the rights of garment workers, enhancing collective power against inequalities.
The Donia Human Rights Center at the University of Michigan hosted Jennifer Rosenbaum, executive director of Global Labor Justice, for a lecture discussing the exploitation of garment workers in the Global South, with a focus on women. Emphasising the need for solidarity and sharing the success of the Dindigul Agreement, she called for collective action to promote ethical labour practices. Attendees, including students like Mark Tallents, expressed their resolve to support workers’ rights.
In summary, Jennifer Rosenbaum’s lecture at the University of Michigan highlighted the urgent struggles faced by garment workers in the Global South, particularly women. By advocating for solidarity across borders and sharing success stories like the Dindigul Agreement, she illustrated paths to progress. Students and community members are called to unite in support of ethical labour practices and to uplift the voices of those who toil to make our clothes.
Original Source: www.michigandaily.com
