The objective of the SRAMIC project is to promote inclusive and sustainable growth through realization of the decent work agenda for garment, leather and tannery workers in Bangladesh. A major focus of the initiative is promotion of female leadership in trade unions and various factory committees. The project is developing capacity of trade unions and civil society organizations in the garment, leather and tannery industries so that they can represent workers effectively and hold factory management accountable for implementing the labour law. SRAMIC also aims to enhance the existing legal framework in Bangladesh to improve worker welfare.

Over a 3.5-year period, the project aims to collectivize and empower up to 100,000 workers (particularly women) working in 950 garment factories and 50 tannery and leather manufacturing facilities. The ultimate target of the project is to reach up to 810,000 workers through wide-ranging campaigns and mass awareness raising program on worker rights and entitlements.

Stakeholders of the project include employees, trade unions and factory management of garment, leather and tannery sectors, policy makers, relevant government officials (e.g. Department of Labour) and civil society organizations.

As a partner in the SRAMIC project, Awaj Foundation conducts trainings on labour rights, financial management, good governance, facilitation and negotiation skills and leadership development. It also builds capacity of workers to set up factory committees, such as Participation Committees. Awaj undertakes campaigns both at the factory level and sectoral level to promote worker-friendly workplaces. It also helps drive campaigns to include provisions on strengthening workers’ welfare in the national budgeting process.