ISLAMABAD: Building on the success of the first phase, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has launched the second phase of the programme aimed at promoting and realising Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW) in the cotton sector.

Funded by Spanish multinational clothing company Industria de Diseno Textil (Inditex), the ILO launched the second phase of the FPRW project in Lahore on Saturday.

The initiative focuses on building the capacity of cotton-growing communities to advocate for their rights and address gender inequalities in the sector, supporting the most vulnerable cotton-growing communities in Pakistan.

The first phase of the project was completed during 2017-2023.

The cotton-growing communities in selected areas of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan provinces will have improved access to organising associations for farmers and trade unions under the second phase of the ILO’s FPRW project.

“In the heart of cotton-producing communities, an undeniable reality still persists — children can be found working. Also, women tend to be relegated to lower-paying tasks in some of the most demanding parts of the agricultural cycle,” said ILO Country Director in Pakistan, Geir Tonstel.

“The battle for equality within this sector is compounded by a complex web of discriminatory factors.”

In advocating for decent work in the cotton communities, he said that ILO promotes freedom of association and collective bargaining, combats forced labour and child labour and advocates for a safe and healthy working environment in cotton-producing communities.

He further said that realising these standards would reduce inequality and ensure a more balanced distribution of wealth, thus contributing to sustainable economic growth.

The project will also support and establish an institutional mechanism to address vulnerabilities related to fundamental principles and rights at work through social dialogue and scaling up good practices in the rural economy.

The International Labour Organisation and Inditex entered into a partnership in 2017 to promote an integrated approach to FPRW in the cotton supply chain in China, India, Mali and Pakistan, and global component in Geneva.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2024