In many parts of the world, homework is a form of labour characterised by precariousness, lack of regulation, and invisibility and lack of protection of the workers who are often amongst the world’s poorest and most exploited. Homework is spreading, due to firm practices such as outsourcing....

The chapter compares situationally different types of homework in the garment and footwear sectors in Australia and India. The two categories of informal homework exist in a highly gender segmented workforce that experiences regulation distance. The conceptual tool of invisibilization is used to...

Are private human rights mechanisms a worthwhile investment and, if so, how can they be strengthened so as to contribute to continuous improvement in business practices in relation to human rights? A key component of the United Nations' Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is the idea...

This report examines the contribution of a non-judicial mechanism designed to encourage respect for freedom of association within Indonesia's export-oriented apparel and footwear sector. The Freedom of Association Protocol (the ‘Protocol') is a multi-party agreement created by Indonesian...

This report is about the grievances of young women, predominantly from disadvantaged Dalit and low caste communities, who are recruited from remote and impoverished rural villages to work in textile mills and garment factories (herein the ‘garment sector') in a number of districts of Tamil...