"Challenges in Organizing Garment Workers in Sri Lanka," this research, conducted in collaboration with social science researcher B. Shanthakumar for the Solidarity Center, delves into the historical experiences of trade unions in their efforts to organize workers, particularly within the export garment industry. It seeks to document lessons learned and proposals for creating an enabling environment for workers to realize their human and labor rights, emphasizing the critical role of democratic trade unions in advancing workers' collective representation and action in defense of their fundamental freedoms and social progress.The study also maps the experiences of national trade unions in organizing workers in conflict-affected northern districts of Sri Lanka, where post-war (after 2009) export factories employ predominantly ethnic Tamil workers who commute from their villages. The findings will inform future programming by the Solidarity Center, supporting unions in their efforts to organize and empower garment sector workers. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this crucial sector, with the aim of fostering positive change and progress for all workers involved.

'Women's Voice and and Leadership' Project

An online accessory store based in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

ARROW is a regional non-profit women and young people’s organization established in 1993, and has consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations(UN ECOSOC)