Oporajita: Collective Impact for Women Garment Workers in an Automated Future
Project Overview
Oporajita is a first-of-its-kind collective impact initiative established to prepare women garment workers for an automated and climate-impacted future, empowering them to lead dignified, secure, and fulfilling lives. The initiative combines capacity building, employment pathways, workplace improvements, advocacy, and systems-level change across the RMG sector. It nurtures agency among women workers and seeks to enhance economic opportunities while fostering resilience and sustainability.
Five-Axis Transformation through Oporajita
Data: The initiative develops and utilises a shared measurement system for tracking progress, outcome metrics, and decision-making. Studies assess workforce vulnerability, skill gaps, and sector preparedness, enabling evidence-based interventions.
Capacity Building / Technical Assistance: Oporajita delivers skills development for circular economy roles, soft skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship among women garment workers. It also provides psychosocial support and career advancement coaching.
Technology / Machinery: The programme encourages adoption of human-centred and sustainable technologies, promoting circular and green job roles and innovations to build resilience against automation.
Finance: Support includes facilitation of micro-entrepreneurship opportunities, access to financial services, enterprise development services, and the nurturing of women-led circular businesses.
Policy: Through coordinated dialogues, advocacy, and stakeholder collaboration, Oporajita influences policy frameworks and industry practices to promote worker-centred, climate-resilient, and equitable transitions within the RMG sector.
Strategic Impact & Value Proposition
Enhanced Economic Opportunities: In Phase 1, thousands of women—both in-work and out-of-work—gained new employment, entrepreneurship skills, and leadership roles.
Worker Agency and Voice: Participants have increased representation as change agents, with many stepping into supervisory or leadership roles and contributing to community and workplace dialogues.
Improved Well-being and Environment: Through facility upgrades, psychosocial and health support, child and caregiving services, and workplace improvements, the initiative strengthens both factory and community-level resilience.
Future Readiness and Climate Adaptation: Oporajita supports a just climate and automation transition, embedding sustainability and inclusion in skill development, job creation, and advocacy.