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Description
Since 1993, the Croatian textile industry has lost 110,000 jobs. Osijek, which used to employ more than 7,000 workers in 6 textile factories and now employs less than 2,000 women workers scattered in the plants of multinational companies, where they are either at risk of poverty or live below the poverty line, can serve as a case study to illustrate processes that led to the community decline. Students are still being trained for jobs that will exclude them from the labour market if strategy toward the textile industry do not change. The goal of the project is to raise awareness about women textile workers in Croatia and to advocate for the development of strategically oriented solutions and sustainable models for the management and development of the textile industry that focus on the implementation, protection and improvement of the human and labour rights of former, current and future workers. The main activities are a public campaign (web exhibition, mural, mobile exhibitions, round tables and living libraries), research focused on current situation and future of textile production in Osijek and advocacy activities targeting key stakeholders at the local and national level. The target groups of the project are former and current women textile workers and high school students. Although the focus of the project is on Osijek, the experiences of workers and students who fear for their future are almost identical throughout the country. Therefore, we want to initiate dialogue on these issues in other communities (Koprivnica-Križevci, Požega-Slavonia, Međimurje and City of Zagreb counties) as well and actively involve them in advocacy. Fade In as the leader of the project is responsible for the overall implementation of the project, while BRID as a partner is involved in the preparation and implementation of activities (personal stories of tekstile workers, research, exibitions, advocacy).
Summary of project results
The project "Made to Measure" aimed to raise awareness about the position of textile workers in Croatia. Specifically, the project addressed two key problems: (1) the issue of harsh working conditions and low wages in the predominantly female textile industry, where women are already socially and economically disadvantaged compared to men; and (2) the problem of inadequate curricula for vocational schools in the domain of textile industry. The main geographical focus of the project was on the City of Osijek and Osjecko-Baranjska County, involving and connecting stakeholders in the City of Zagreb and the counties of Koprivnicko-Krizevacka, and Medjimurska.
The project activities were focused on increasing the visibility of the key problems in the society as well as on advocating for the protection and improvement of the human and labour rights of former, current, and future workers. It was intended to raise public awareness, guide the public and key stakeholders towards solidarity and public dialogue on the difficult position of former and current (primarily) female workers, as well as to highlight the uncertain future of students currently studying textile professions. It was aimed to make a direct influence on working conditions, including human and labour rights, safety, income levels, physical and mental health, competitiveness in the European labour market, and stimulate public dialogue among all relevant stakeholders about the future of textile production, textile education, and textile work in Croatia.
The project included a number of activities. At first place research on the present and future of the textile industry in Osijek was conducted, creating a base for the subsequent advocacy efforts. The research findings were widely communicated to advocate for the protection of human and labour rights of the textile workers, engaging the key stakeholders to develop models for job preservation and new opportunities. Backed by research findings, the advocacy activities at local and national levels, engaged the key stakeholders including legislative bodies and relevant agencies, such as the Croatian Parliament, the Ombudsman, Parliamentary Committee for Education, Science, and Culture, the Ombudsman for Gender Equality, Agency for Vocational Education and Adult Education, The New Union, and GOOD Initiative. Collaboration with stakeholders, strengthened the project''s impact, to address concerns about vocational education reforms and advocate for policy changes.
Furthermore, the activities included creating a web exhibition showcasing workers'' personal stories, and creation of a mobile exhibition in collaboration with vocational school students. Mobile exhibitions, live libraries, and roundtable discussions in four cities – Osijek, Pozega, Cakovec and Zagreb, created a space for advocacy at local and national levels with active participation from students and workers, for promotion of dialogue on labour rights violations and the uncertain future of textile students.
Primary beneficiaries, the former, current and future textile workers, benefitted from activities that made their experiences visible by addressing their concerns, and providing opportunities for empowerment and dialogue with key stakeholders. Moreover, project activities engaged the broader community through campaigns and activities, gathering support for the cause.
The research conducted focused on various aspects, including the experiences of former workers, current workers'' challenges, and issues within the educational system. It served as a basis for discussions and engagements with local and national authorities, highlighting existing problems and proposing concrete solutions. The primary beneficiaries were actively involved in advocacy efforts, and their needs were advocated through diverse activities, resulting in a set of recommendations communicated to decision-makers. Moreover, the project fostered intergenerational solidarity between students and workers, facilitating dialogue and mutual understanding for the benefit of both groups.
Secondary target groups, the decision-makers and the general public, were informed about research findings, sensitized to workers'' issues, and encouraged to support sustainable solutions.
The project contributed to empowerment and promotion of civil society and active citizenship. The organizational development activities expanded capacities of the implementing organizations. The connections established with the key stakeholders. By effectively utilizing media presence and research communication, the project partners bolstered their advocacy roles which positioned them as the important actors in dialogue between sectors as well as the actors that are sharing knowledge and supporting skill development within the cultural and social spheres.