Sexual harassment in Lesotho factories addressed

Three major US jean companies have vowed to crack down on abuse in Lesotho after an investigation found women were forced to have sex to keep their factory jobs. Levi Strauss & Co, Kontoor Brands (which owns Wrangler and Lee jeans) and The Children's Place have signed agreements to end ‘pervasive sexual harassment’ in five factories where about 10 000 female employees make their clothes. ‘These breakthrough agreements set an example for the rest of the apparel industry on how to address harassment and abuse,’ said Rola Abimourched, senior programme director with Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), which uncovered the violations. A report on the allAfrica site notes that it found that women were regularly coerced into sexual activity with supervisors to get or keep their jobs in three factories making jeans. The report notes that the factories are owned by Taiwan-based global jeans manufacturer Nien Hsing Textile. Garment manufacturing – with a focus on denim jeans – has grown to become the largest formal sector trade over the past 30 years.