From 13 – 17 February 2023, The OECD organised a Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector. Arisa, on behalf of the consortium Together for Decent Leather, organised a (virtual) side session entitled “Working better in leather: stakeholder engagement and worker empowerment as key aspects of due diligence”.

The session explored stakeholder engagement and empowerment of workers in the leather and leather products manufacturing industry in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

While human rights due diligence laws are developing, research finds evidence of poor labour situations, including challenges for unionization, regularly accompanied by a shrinking civic space. International companies buying leather and leather goods from the three South Asian countries can accomplish their due diligence by committing to stakeholder engagement linked to capacity building and empowerment for workers.