039 / Empowering Garment Workers w/ Kalpona Akter

Today, over 100 billion garments are produced annually for less than 8 billion people worldwide, a massive overproduction that places fashion in critical opposition with the planet’s natural capacity to support life on earth. On December 5th, SHACK15 hosted Remake Founder and CEO Ayesha Barenblat and a special guest, the labor activist Kalpona Akter, Founder and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity, who is known globally for her engagement with various international organizations including United Nations agencies, to bring greater respect to garment workers in Bangladesh. She is now one of the most high-profile union organizers in the global garment industry. Together, Ayesha and Kalpona brought attention to the injustices within the fashion industry, centered the voices of garment workers, and shared ways that you can advocate for a more ethical, sustainable future of fashion. The conversation was introduced by SHACK15 member and founder and CEO of Dhana Inc., Shamini Dhana.