Over the past few months we managed to raise 20,000 Euros in this initiative, a substantial chunk of which was covered by the International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT). After receiving the first 10,000 Euros, FGWM bought menstrual pads and started distributing them inside factories: 5 packages each to 5,000 workers in total. It was the FGWM who approached us with this idea in the first place and asked FAU/ICL to support their actions.
Once the fundraiser had started, a severe eaarthquake hit Myanmar. Many houses and urban infrastructure were destroyed. Consequently, we decided to open up the fundraiser to additionally support 200 families of workers affected by the earthquake. The ima was to supply their inmediate needs, with powerbanks, tarpaulins and mosquito nets. Again, it were the members of FGWM who told us what they needed and what we should raise the funds for.
We are aware of the complexity when it comes to providing money to comrades in Southeast Asia, since such projects always contain hierarchies. At the same time we acknowledge that much of the wealth is accumulated in “the West” because of the exploitation in poverty striken regions with very low wages. Therefore we see a clear responsibility on our part to organize redistribution. Even if this is just a tiny share, we try to make a step towards the right direction.
We don’t do charity. We support our comrades’ struggle for dignity. We are also organizing rallies in front of brands whose labels are printed on the products made in Myanmar, such as Only, H&M, Zara, Hunkemöller, NewYorker, Lululemon and Adidas. In case of labour struggles we are reaching out to the management of the brands and the factories on different levels. And occasionally we’re collecting money.
The comrades need support to keep up their struggles. Together we already raised money to finance safe houses, support for families of union members who lost their jobs because of their involvement in protests, pay for medical treatment or plan organizing workshops for workers. With our last fundraiser, menstrual products were provided because the workers could not afford them anymore and risked infections when using left over fabric from the factories instead.
At the same time, comrades of FAU and comrades of FGWM rallied for free availability of menstrual products inside the factories, clean sanitary facilities and menstrual leave. Hang Kei factory – producing for Hunkemöller – did react and since May 2025 the toilets get cleaned regularly, there are menstrual pads in the factory clinic for all who need them, they installed ACs and there is a room for mothers who are nursing. It’s only one factory of many we reached out to, but it is a start!
We need more comrades who support our joined actions so we can put more pressure on brands and factory owners around the world. It’s worth it.
Thank you all for supporting us!
Solidarity is our weapon!
Dare to fight – Dare to win!
Solidarity website: fgwm-solidarity.org
Contact: asia@icl-cit.org
