ShinWon

The CEO of Shinwon, Park Jung-joo, is strengthening the power of the global organization RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality) to improve the working environment for female workers and expand their influence for gender equality. Park Jung-joo has joined the RISE board of directors and plans to lead the initiative to create a globally fair and socially responsible textile industry. RISE was established in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th by four global organizations: 'HER Project' by BSR, 'PACE (Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement)' by GAP, 'CARE,' and 'BetterWork.' These founding partners are leading organizations within the global fashion industry, dedicated to improving the working environment and expanding the influence of female workers and pursuing equality.

The operating board of RISE consists of a wide range of stakeholders who have dedicated themselves to improving the rights of female workers, including clothing brands, vendors (manufacturers), non-governmental organizations, labor unions, and specialized women's rights organizations. Park Jung-joo, as the representative of a manufacturing company, becomes the first member to represent the global apparel supply chain on the operating board. The establishment of RISE is aimed at enhancing the rights of female workers worldwide, particularly those engaged in the global supply chain, including the garment manufacturing industry. Currently, out of approximately 60 million workers, an estimated 45 million are female workers, representing about 75%. Many of these workers are exposed to excessive working hours, low wages, workplace harassment, and violence. 

In the future, RISE plans to utilize the network of its four founding partners located in Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Egypt. RISE will introduce programs based on specialized knowledge to enhance the rights of female workers. These programs will include knowledge and skills enhancement for workers and managers, as well as changes in existing business practices, including gender equality, influencing policymakers to support public policy development. It is expected that these programs will help improve the actual working environment for female workers in the future.

At the RISE launch ceremony in New York, Shinwon's representative, Park Sung-joo, expressed the significance of the launch of the new female empowerment program "RISE" on International Women's Day and felt a sense of responsibility as a board member. He mentioned that RISE is the result of the collective efforts of the four major organizations that have been striving for the enhancement of female worker rights. He expressed hope for the positive impact of RISE on female workers in various parts of the world, including the global supply chain, including the garment manufacturing industry.

Shinwon is also operating an educational campaign to improve the quality of life for female workers in countries where its production bases are located, aiming for inclusive growth with women. Since 2018, Shinwon has been contributing to the capacity-building of over 6,000 female workers through the PACE education campaign aimed at enhancing the quality of life and leadership of female workers at its overseas production bases.

Additionally, Shinwon plans to hold a lecture on female worker rights for its employees at its Seoul headquarters on the 10th in celebration of International Women's Day. Through this, Shinwon aims to take the lead in promoting equal and fair practices within the organization.