

STITCH (Safeguarding Through Innovation and Technology) for RMG is a project aimed at safeguarding the livelihood of one of the most vulnerable groups of Bangladesh – female garments workers. Without technological intervention, Bangladesh will lose competitiveness in the RMG industry but the advent of automation is projecting 60% of RMG workers will lose jobs to automation by 2041. The situation is more dire for women as they are more likely to become victims to job cuts.
Through this project, BRAC Social Innovation Lab, the H&M Foundation and the Asia Foundation have come together on an expedition to identify and mainstream innovations that have a focus on improving the lives of female garment workers. Earlier this year, innovation areas have been determined through workshops, needs assessment studies, and in June 2021, the “STITCH for RMG: Global Innovation Conference” was held engaging buyers, suppliers, innovators and other RMG stakeholders in the discussion.
The project is now moving to the “STITCH for RMG: Global Innovation Challenge”, inviting innovators from around the world to propose possible solutions to two key questions under five representing themes. The best ideas will receive funding and incubation support in Bangladesh to address future skilling needs and potentially involve women garment workers for safeguarding their future livelihoods.
Needs Assessment Jan '21
Workshop Feb '21
Global Innovation Conference Jun '21
Global Innovation Challenge Oct '21 - Dec '21
Pilot Execution Phase Jan '22 - Apr '22
BRAC believes that one of the most viable pathways to catalyze innovations and mainstream them within industries and communities is through running a challenge. The Global Innovation Challenge aims to select grounded RMG innovations around the world to safeguard the jobs of women in the RMG industry in Bangladesh while ensuring the competitiveness of factories. Entrepreneurs can submit ideas answering two key questions: How can we enhance factory competitiveness? and How can we safeguard the livelihood of female garment workers? under one of the five thematic areas – Automation and Efficiency; Sustainability and Circular Fashion; Product Design, Diversification, and Raw Material; Skill Development and Women’s Career; and, Enabling Environment.
Rounds
Total Grant
Winners