The Tamil Nadu Government has announced the launch of a multi-stakeholder Textile Industry Coalition (TiC), to strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act.
In an attempt to improve workplace safety in the textile industry, the TiC brings together a variety of stakeholders, including manufacturers, trade unions, associations, government agencies, service providers, and research institutions. Their shared objective is to establish a safe and empowering work environment for women in the textile industry by advocating for zero tolerance for sexual harassment and violence in Tamil Nadu’s women-dominated textile sector.
To encourage accountability and best practices, the TiC will also seek to develop industry-standard policies and standards of conduct. It will address every facet of the textile value chain, ranging from the manufacturing floor to the level of community and policy. UN Women brought together a wide range of partners for the coalition, which is spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Women’s Empowerment and the Department of Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles, and Khadi of Tamil Nadu.
Dharmendra Pratap Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Textile, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The launch of TiC, is a reflection of our commitment to the welfare and dignity of the women workers in the textile sector. We believe that by eliminating violence and sexual harassment, we can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the industry, as well as the socio-economic development of the state.”
Omang Rai Narang, Country Manager of H&M India said, “We are happy to be part of TiC, which aligns with our objective of being a fair and equal company defined by our values. This would greatly enhance the working conditions and the quality of life for the women workers in the textile and apparel industry, who are the backbone of our business.”
Ananda Krishnan, Executive Director, KPR Mill Ltd. and member of the TiC, said, “We welcome the launch of TiC, which is a timely and relevant initiative to address the issue of violence and sexual harassment in the textile sector.”
Also present at the launch were V. Amuthavalli, IAS, Commissioner of the Commissionerate of Social Welfare and Kumar Jayant, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Labour and Skill Development, Government of Tamil Nadu.
