Fashion
Ask the Question - Who is Making My Clothes?
2025 marks 12 years since the terrible tragedy at the Rana Plaza in Dhaka, Bangladesh, when an eight-story building collapsed, killing 1132 people and injuring 2500. Most of the dead and injured were poorly paid female garment makers, producing many of the clothes that end up in Australia. Since then, some of the big brand companies have worked to ensure conditions have improved. Others have not. (Photo Credit: Sabina - what She Makes, Fabeha Monir/Oxfam)
Chances are that children and adults working in sweatshops, for little money and often in appalling and hazardous conditions, make some of the clothes you wear, or clothes you might want to buy next time you go shopping.
Together, we’re acting for change in the fashion industry, fighting overconsumption for people and the planet.
Before your next shop ask the question:
How does my favourite clothing brand company treat workers?
Be an Agent of Change
Here are six useful tips and guides to you to act as an agent of change in 2025 and beyond:
1. DOWNLOAD the Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Guide
Millions of workers in the global fashion industry face injustice, abuse, low wages, and modern slavery.
The way we produce clothes and shoes—and the endless demand for more—is having a detrimental impact on local communities, their lands and waterways, and even the air they breathe.. Together, we are part of this system, and together, we can drive change. Baptist World Aid are revealing the hidden truths behind the supply chains of the biggest fashion brands, to create momentum for real progress.
Use the Baptist World Aid Ethical Fashion Guide to find out how brands scored and how they rank compared to others -
- In 2024 89% of companies aren’t paying a living wage at any stage of their supply chain.
- Only 35% of companies has a responsible purchasing practice policy
Use the Speak-out tool.
Writing to brands is a great way to let them know that you care about workers and the planet. Encourage their efforts to change, and challenge unethical business systems by sending an email. Click here to send an email and be an agent for change.
Photo credit – Baptist World Aid
2. Host a Clothes Swap
Did you know that over 200,000 tons of clothing are discarded into Australian landfills annually? Let's work on overconsumption together!
Organize your own clothing swap event like ACRATH and Young Mercy Links in 2024 where they enjoyed shared meals, exchanging outfits, and heard inspiring talks from speakers who discussed the realities of modern slavery, sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice on advocating for sustainable and ethical fashion.
Need some inspiration?
Download your copy of the
Baptist World Aid Guide Clothes Swap Guide
3. Learn More - ARE your School Uniforms Ethically Made?
Whether your child needs a new school shirt or a brand new fit from head-to-toe, it’s important to ask if their uniform is ethically made. Why? To ensure the workers who made their uniform are paid fairly, treated with dignity and safe at work.
In so many schools, decisions around purchasing begin with parent power. To help you approach your school and find out more about the manufacturing of your school uniforms, here are some ideas from Ethical Clothing Australia - https://ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/are-your-school-uniforms-ethical/
Inspiration Students at St Mary of the Angels Secondary College in Nathalia with newly acquired Fairtrade scarves. The scarves, in school colours, are the result of the school’s culture of justice, vibrant student leadership, a tenacious teacher and ETIKO.
4. Watch the Oxfam Video
Learn about the people making your clothes and watch OXFAMS What She Makes video:
Did you know the women who make our clothes aren’t paid enough to escape poverty?
No matter how hard they work, they can’t afford basic food and shelter for their families — wages are just too low. A life of poverty can leave people vulnerable to human trafficking and slavery. Learn more by viewing the What She Makes video.
Image: OXFAM
5. Join Fashion Revolution Week
The Rana Plaza tragedy also triggered a fashion revolution around the world and you can join it today via this website: Fashion Revolution
Through the collective action of our global network, we can promote a change in mindset and in business models that move us away from eternal growth and business as usual to innovative models and systems that remain within planetary boundaries.
Fashion Revolution Week happens every year in the week surrounding the 24th of April, the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse. The organisation spans 80 countries, allowing us to share regional insights and understanding of the global industry’s overwhelming problems. This week provides an opportunity to unite people from all over the world to use the power of fashion to improve conditions for the people who make the world’s clothes and accessories. Find out more about Fashion Revolution Week 2025 and how you can take action Get Involved Guide 2025 by Fashion Revolution - Issuu
6. Share your story
Have you been inspired?
- Tell people what you have learned.
- Share our resource.
- Ask them to join one of the actions listed above.
- Share a post on social media about the action you are taking.
- Use the hashtag #fashion, #livingwage #WhoMadeMyClothes and don't forget to tag ACRATH.
We are proud of you.