Unilever Bangladesh and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to start an initiative, named ‘Aastha’ (meaning trust),to work together on a number of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to improve the livelihoods of a million apparel workers.
Unilever one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies has rolled out an initiative to improve the livelihoods of a million apparel workers in Bangladesh and enhance their overall health and well-being. Unilever is the largest fast moving consumer goods company in Bangladesh. Specifically the aim is to ensure good health and well-being for all ages, ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns. In addition, Unilever will make its products available inside factory premises at special prices exclusively for workers. The garment sector, being the bulwark of economic growth for Bangladesh, has been making a crucial contribution of approximately 11 per cent to the gross domestic product. With more than 4.4 million workers employed in the sector, about 60.8 per cent of whom are women, the growth of the garment industry has far reaching implications for the economy.
