Leading With Empowerment

Today is International Women’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate women and the vital role they play in society, as well as a reminder of the distance we have to go to create a just and equal world.

Over the last few years, this event has garnered an increasing amount of attention and importance, especially as it co-exists with other movements like the Women’s March and #MeToo. With the increasing awareness, brands and organizations have sought to engage in the broader conversation surrounding women’s empowerment. Their primary tool: the t-shirt.

But what does it mean if the shirt they sell was made in a factory that exploits its women makers?

A recent article in The Guardian uncovered this unfortunate scenario for a shirt being sold that read “Girl Power”. While a portion of the proceeds generated from the sale of this shirt were being donated to a charity, the dichotomy of intention and actuality is striking. Needless to say, a feminist slogan falls far short of positively impacting women.

The reality is that over 75% of the people who make our clothes are women. Therefore, every day we get dressed is an opportunity to stand for women’s empowerment. As shoppers, we should be looking into labels and learning more about the clothes we purchase, not just what the graphics say.

And for the brands looking to make an impact with the clothing they sell, we’re here to help you. We want to see more companies and non-profits align their positive social impact missions with the merchandise they sell.

How the shirt is made should be as much a part of the story as where proceeds are given after their sale.