Genet, a 27-year-old safety officer at Ashton Apparel Manufacturing in Ethiopia, plays a crucial role in ensuring workplace safety in the garment industry. With the garment sector booming and employing predominantly women, Genet’s responsibilities include maintaining a safe working environment and overseeing the correct usage of personal protective equipment and maintaining a safe working environment. Despite challenges such as low wages and inadequate safety measures, initiatives like the SIRAYE (Amharic for “my job”) programme, implemented through the Fund, aim to improve working conditions.
Genet’s journey reflects the transformative impact of occupational safety and health training, which not only addresses physical hazards but also educates on issues like sexual harassment. Looking ahead, Genet aspires to advance in her career and eventually launch her own fashion company, empowered by her experiences in the factory and her commitment to workplace safety.
Learn more: https://vzf.ilo.org/genet-is-monitoring-osh-in-an-ethiopian-garment-factory/