By Katelyn Sullivan | Development Coordinator
Although Cambodia’s garment and footwear industry has achieved impressive growth over the past decade, worker safety has lagged behind. Commuting hazards risk the lives of more than 870,000 Cambodian garment and footwear industry workers at over 1,000 factories. These hazards, including underdeveloped road infrastructure, illegally-modified modes of transport, and dangerous driver behaviors, have resulted in high numbers of injuries and fatalities.
Since 2020, the Prevention & Participation (P&P) program, supported by VF Corporation and implemented by AIP Foundation, has aimed to address this issue. The program has impacted approximately 52,000 workers and drivers across 6 Cambodian provinces. In June 2024, AIP Foundation hosted the third installment of the program’s annual collaborative workshop, which marked the conclusion of the program.
The objective of this workshop was to bring together stakeholders involved in the program implementation to promote ongoing dialogue and impact lasting legal change to safeguard commuting safety. Representatives from factories, buyers/brands, trade unions, driver associations, and Special Economic zones exchanged about collaboration opportunities and factory-level initiatives and discussed sustainability plans for the program activities.
“We are proud to conclude our Prevention and Participation program with this national workshop on road safety for factory workers in Cambodia. This initiative underscores VF Corporation’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of people in our supply chain. By facilitating knowledge sharing among stakeholders, this workshop not only enhances commuting safety but also empowers factories to integrate these learnings into everyday practices. As we transition from program implementation to sustainability, we trust that these efforts will help support long-term safety for all workers, reflecting our ongoing dedication to fostering safe and supportive environments,” shares Jens Aas, Senior Manager for Worker and Community Development at VF Corporation.
AIP Foundation will continue to educate, advocate, and invest in safe mobility for Cambodian workers. Visit us here and follow us to learn more about our work and receive the latest updates.
By Cheyenne Henry | Development Coordinator
By Cheyenne Henry | Development Coordinator
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