Fashion is often seen as a form of self-expression and creativity, but beneath its glamorous surface lies a deep-rooted issue of gender inequality. From unrealistic beauty standards to the lack of women in leadership roles, the fashion industry reflects broader societal disparities. Yet, the most pressing issue remains the exploitation of women throughout the supply chain, those working in cotton fields, textile factories, and garment production, whose struggles often go unnoticed. Gender equality in fashion is not just about representation on the runway but about ethical labour practices, fair wages, and the inclusion of women’s voices at every level of the industry.

Women as Consumers vs. Women in Power

Women drive the fashion industry as the primary consumers. Studies show that women account for 70-80% of global consumer spending, and the fashion industry benefits significantly from their purchasing power. However, this financial influence is not reflected in decision-making positions. A 2021 study by the Business of Fashion found that only 14% of major fashion brands are run by female executives. Despite women being the lifeblood of the industry, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles, influencing neither business strategy nor ethical practices. This lack of representation affects everything from marketing narratives to labor policies.

The Illusion of Diversity and Body Representation

Fashion has long dictated beauty standards, often promoting unattainable ideals. While diversity on the runway has improved, it remains performative in many cases. A 2022 report by The Fashion Spot found that 48% of models on major runways were women of color, but representation of plus-size models and models with disabilities remains significantly lower. The lack of realistic body imagery in advertising contributes to body dysmorphia and low self-esteem, particularly among young women. Gender equality in fashion must go beyond casting diverse models; it must challenge the industry’s obsession with Eurocentric and size-exclusive standards.

Women in the Supply Chain: The Hidden Workforce

While the lack of female leadership is a significant issue, the most striking gender disparity exists at the production level. Women form the backbone of the fashion supply chain, yet their working conditions remain some of the most exploitative in the world.

The garment industry employs approximately 75% women globally, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Despite this dominance, they face low wages, unsafe working conditions, and limited labor rights.
In Bangladesh, where the fashion industry employs over 4 million garment workers, 85% are women. They often work 14-16 hours a day for wages that do not meet basic living standards.
In textile factories, gender-based violence and harassment are rampant. A study by the International Labour Organization found that over 60% of female garment workers in South Asia had experienced workplace harassment.
At the agricultural level, women account for 60-80% of cotton farmers, yet they have little access to land ownership or financial independence.

Challenges Women in Fashion Production Face

Low Wages & Economic Vulnerability – Women in the fashion supply chain often earn below a living wage, making them vulnerable to economic shocks and exploitation.
Unsafe Working Conditions – Tragedies like the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers in Bangladesh (the majority of whom were women), highlight the industry’s disregard for worker safety.
Lack of Union Representation – Many female garment workers are prevented from joining unions or advocating for better conditions due to fear of retaliation.
Gender-Based Violence & Harassment – Reports of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse are widespread in garment factories, where women lack legal protection.

Supporting Women in Fashion: Certifications to Look For

Consumers have the power to demand better practices by supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor conditions and gender equality. Several certifications help identify responsible fashion brands:

Fair Trade Certified – Ensures ethical wages, safe working conditions, and community development initiatives.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – Covers environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices, including gender equity.
SA8000 – Focuses on fair wages, no forced labor, and gender equity in the workplace.
Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) – Aims to protect workers' rights and ensure safe working environments.
WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization) – Supports women-led businesses and artisan collectives in fashion.

The Feminist Approach to Fashion: Beyond Women’s Day

True gender equality in fashion means going beyond performative feminism on International Women’s Day. It means supporting female-led businesses, advocating for fair wages, and boycotting brands that exploit women in their supply chains. Consumers, designers, and brands must recognize that feminism in fashion isn’t just about empowerment-themed t-shirts—it’s about ensuring that the women making those shirts are treated with dignity and respect.

If fashion is to be truly progressive, it must prioritize the rights of women at every level, from the runway to the factory floor. Making informed choices—whether by supporting ethical brands, demanding transparency, or amplifying worker voices—is how we can begin reshaping the industry. Because without the inclusion of women’s perspectives and workers' rights, fashion can never truly be feminist.

Gender Equality and the Fashion Industry