On a trip to India in
2012, I was visiting a rural weaving village when the Master Weaver asked where
my scarf was from. I had borrowed it from my sister who had bought in a store
in Australia – however he wasn’t asking because he wanted to know where to get
one, ‘that’s my work! He said ‘Come, and I will show you identical scarves’.
How many people know where their clothing is made?
How would you feel coming face to face with the producer? Hidden behind complex
supply chains, textile artisans are paid a pittance for their work. Despite
possessing incredible skills, marginalised artisans receive little recognition.
Did you know that up to 50 per cent of clothes now sold in Australia are manufactured overseas mainly in low-wage countries?1 In addition, garment manufacturing in Australia is predominantly structured around outsourcing, with sewing commonly performed by outworkers—mainly migrant women with low English proficiency. The average rate of pay for outworkers is estimated at $3.60 per hour. Most average 12 hours per day, with 62 per cent stating they worked seven days a week 2.
Did you know that up to 50 per cent of clothes now sold in Australia are manufactured overseas mainly in low-wage countries?1 In addition, garment manufacturing in Australia is predominantly structured around outsourcing, with sewing commonly performed by outworkers—mainly migrant women with low English proficiency. The average rate of pay for outworkers is estimated at $3.60 per hour. Most average 12 hours per day, with 62 per cent stating they worked seven days a week 2.
Employment in the
textiles, clothing and footwear industry in Australia is declining with the
rise of offshore production. Engagement in handcrafting textiles is declining
in India with increasing technology and the shift to mass production.
For
artisans to receive recognition, fair treatment and a sustainable livelihood
that supports their families, their stories need to be told. The Artisan Story
Collective is a grassroots brand that exists to profile the people behind the
products through creative storytelling and consumer engagement.
The Artisan Story Collective is currently being developed through the School for Social Enterprise. Stay tuned as the story unfolds...
1. ANZ 2005, Clothing wholesalers under pressure, ANZ Industry Brief, viewed
4 July 2007
2. Cregan, C 2001, Home sweat home, Department of
Management, University of Melbourne
