A significant step towards ensuring women’s safety and empowerment in the textile industry was taken on Thursday with the launch of the Textile Industry Coalition (TiC) in Tiruppur. This multi-stakeholder initiative aims to strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act and address broader workplace issues affecting women’s economic contribution.
Government’s Commitment to Women’s Safety
During the inaugural meeting of the TiC Steering Committee, Geetha Jeevan, Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive work environment for women in the textile sector. She highlighted that the coalition would address systemic issues hindering women’s progress and empower them to reach their full potential.
The government has also announced the formation of TiC in other key textile hubs, including Coimbatore, Karur, Dindigul, Namakkal, and Erode districts.
Media’s Role and Human Resource Management
M.P. Saminathan, Minister for Information and Publicity, underscored the crucial role of the media in promoting the objectives of TiC and raising awareness about women’s issues within the textile industry. Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, Minister for Human Resource Management, focused on the importance of enhancing human resource management practices to improve the safety and well-being of women workers.
A Collaborative Effort for Women’s Empowerment
The event commenced with a cultural tribute symbolising hope and unity for women’s empowerment, curated by Maria Jones, State Lead, UN Women. A film showcasing the challenges and triumphs of women in the textile industry further highlighted the need for collective action.
Susan Ferguson, Country Representative, UN Women, India, reiterated the organisation’s unwavering commitment to the initiative. Dan Seymour, Director, the Strategic Partnership Division at UN Women, emphasised the significance of collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change in the textile industry.
District Collector T. Christuraj, along with Amuthavalli, Secretary to Government, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, and Jayashree Muralidharan, Secretary to Government, Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, outlined the government’s initiatives to improve workplace safety for women.
A panel discussion moderated by Preetha Jayaseelan, Programme Manager at UN Women, provided a platform for women from the textile sector to share their personal experiences and discuss the transformative potential of the TiC.
The launch of the Textile Industry Coalition marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a more equitable and empowering work environment for women in the textile industry. Through collaborative efforts and strong government support, the coalition aims to drive positive change and ensure that women’s voices are heard and their rights are protected.
