This week we want to take a closer look at a new member on the Asia Garment Hub.

What is RISE, and who are the founding partner organizations of RISE?
RISE: Reimagining Industry to Support Equality is a new initiative that was formed by BSR’s HERproject, Gap Inc. P.A.C.E, CARE, and Better Work. It was created to scale the impact of women's empowerment programs and accelerate gender equality for women workers in the global garment, footwear, and home furnishings supply chains. This initiative aims to address the systemic barriers to empowerment and gender equity faced by women workers, particularly in the context of the fashion industry.

What are RISE's core strategies and what are the specific areas of the garment industry it addresses? 
RISE has three core strategies to achieve its objectives: (1) Strengthening knowledge and skills for factory workers and managers. (2) Transforming business practices to include gender equality. (3) Influencing public policy and engaging with key actors. Through these strategies, RISE aims to empower women workers and promote gender equality in the fashion industry. It will leverage the expertise and approaches of its founding partners and work through a network of local partners in several countries to drive lasting impact and efficiency.

How many women workers are estimated to be affected by gender inequality and other challenges in the garment industry, and what are some of these challenges?
ILO estimates that 75% of the 60 million garment workers globally are women. These women may experience gender inequality, instances of harassment or violence at work, and other systemic barriers to empowerment and gender equity. The COVID-19 pandemic and challenging financial environments have added to the pressures faced by women workers in this industry.

In which countries will RISE operate in, and how does it plan to involve workers in its programs? 
RISE will operate in Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, Egypt, and Pakistan. It aims to involve workers' voices and representation at every level, from governance to project implementation. This ensures that the work responds to women workers' needs and priorities, and it includes broad stakeholder involvement, including brands, suppliers, labor organizations, and unions.

How does RISE plan to expand its impact, and what is its goal for the number of women workers it aims to reach?
RISE intends to expand its impact by building on the proven approaches of its Founding Partners. This expansion will be achieved by working with global brands, buyers, and suppliers who can become members of RISE and invest in workplace programs in their garment supply chains. 

How can brands, buyers, and suppliers get involved with RISE, and what role can they play in promoting gender equality in the fashion industry?
Brands, buyers, and suppliers can become members of RISE and invest in workplace programs in their garment supply chains. By joining RISE, they can take concrete actions towards promoting gender equality in the fashion industry. Their involvement can help drive systemic change and improve working conditions for women workers, particularly in the garment sector.

What are some of the topics covered in RISE's capacity-building workplace programs for women workers?
RISE's capacity-building programs aim to increase women workers' dignity and equality in the workplace. These programs cover a range of topics, including life skills such as communication and problem-solving, general and reproductive health, financial health and security, freedom from sexual harassment and gender-based violence, and women's advancement and leadership. Additionally, these programs engage male managers and co-workers to challenge social norms in the workplace.

Who are some of the companies and organizations supporting the development of RISE, and what are their roles in this initiative?
Several companies and organizations are supporting the development of RISE. Some of these are mentioned here in the launch statement from RISE. These companies and organizations play a crucial role in supporting RISE's mission and initiatives.

What makes RISE different from the individual women's empowerment programs offered by its founding partners?
RISE brings together the strengths of its founding partners' women's empowerment programs to have a deeper, broader, and more consistent impact. By collaborating, RISE aims to navigate through the complex issues of gender equality in global garment supply chains and deliver real action and impact for both businesses and women workers. It leverages the collective expertise and resources of these partners to drive systemic change within the industry.