TIMBERLAND AND HERPROJECT IMPROVE WOMEN’S HEALTH IN BANGLADESH

Since May 2012, BSR's HERproject has linked Timberland and Pou Hung Industrial Ltd., a factory partner in Chittagong Bangladesh, with MAMATA, a local NGO, to create sustainable workplace programs that increase women's health awareness. 

Some highlights from a recent report on the impact of these partnerships to date include: 

• 95% of female workers interviewed said that they are aware of local health clinics and used them, compared to 60% during the baseline.
• 80% of women interviewed now know that a woman should have 4 to 5 check-ups during pregnancy
• During their menstruation, 25% of female workers are now using clean cloth and 75% using napkins instead of scraps from the factory.
• The number of absent days per person has dropped from 0.58 day per person to 0.27 day per person (53.4% reduction).
• 100% of respondents said they feel more capable in meeting production targets, compared to 12 months ago.

Since investing in the workers who make our products is not only good for the workers, but is also good for business, Pou Hung Industrial Ltd. is now paying it forward by committing to maintaining its investment in women's health through the following activities:

• A particular day and time has been fixed for health awareness-raising activities.
• Workers are being referred to the MAMATA clinic for better treatment when necessary.
• HERhealth trainings have been integrated into the orientation process for new hires.
• The HERhealth project team will continue to function.
• The factory nurse and HR officers will continue to monitor all health activities in the factory.

This is a winning program that will only continue to grow its impact. Learn more about HERproject.