The rise of automation poses a significant threat to garment workers globally, with projections indicating that sewing automation alone could displace 65 million workers worldwide. Given that women comprise 75 % of the global garment workforce, they are poised to bear the brunt of job losses, especially as they predominantly occupy lower-tier roles in the industry. Overcoming traditional gender roles and limited access to higher education presents challenges for women seeking new opportunities within and beyond the garment sector.
In response to this pressing issue, Shimmy Technologies, a women-owned social enterprise established in 2016, focuses on preparing women in apparel supply chains for the evolving job landscape through digital, mobile, and tablet-based training programs. Their innovative approach, which prioritizes technical training, aims to equip workers with the skills needed to adapt and thrive in a changing industry. By serving as role models and empowering female workers to pursue advanced roles, Shimmy challenges the existing norms and seeks to reshape the workforce.
In collaboration with The VF Foundation, Shimmy launched a pilot program in Bangladesh in 2022 to assess the efficacy of their training solutions in up-skilling and reskilling unemployed women for opportunities in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry. Leveraging research on current and future automation trends, Shimmy tailored their training programs to meet the evolving needs of employers and trainees alike.
The pilot program yielded encouraging results, with a significant number of women securing employment in the RMG supply chain within six months of completing the training. Building on this success, The VF Foundation has extended its support to Shimmy, designating them as a grantee for 2024. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable and equitable outcomes for women in the apparel industry. Through expanded mobile and physical training initiatives, Shimmy and its partners strive to empower even more women to thrive in an increasingly automated world, fostering a future marked by inclusivity and opportunity.
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