MAMATA
We’ve partnered with MAMATA, an NGO, to provide health-care services to factory workers and their families in Bangladesh.
Why
Many factories in the apparel industry have not done enough to protect the health and safety of its workers. To ensure we support the people who help make our products, Patagonia is committed to working with supply-chain partners who meet our rigorous standards for fair labor practices, safe working conditions and environmental responsibility.
We also want these efforts to promote a positive impact in the broader communities. Working with organizations like MAMATA helps get us there.
MAMATA is an NGO that provides health-care services and education to low-income communities in Bangladesh. Through ongoing surveys and direct conversations with those impacted, the organization assesses key needs for workers.
Patagonia first learned about MAMATA through Youngone - Karnaphuli Sportswear Ind. Ltd. (KSL), our Down Sweater manufacturer located in Chattogram, where Mamata is also based. For many years, Youngone - KSL’s workers, families and extended communities have received health-care services, training and medicine from the NGO. When they told us about MAMATA’s work, we were thrilled to form a partnership that supports workers and helps benefit our supplier.
Partners in progress
The number of people our contributions have impacted since 2014 for critical health-care needs, including prenatal care and the treatment of infectious diseases.
Where We Are
Since 2014, we have given MAMATA annual donations to support and expand their operations. With the Fall 2022 redesign of our Down Sweater, we were inspired to make our biggest contribution to date to show our ongoing commitment to Youngone - KSL and its workers.
With these additional funds, MAMATA was able to expand its services and reach, which included establishing six more satellite health clinics (now 18 total) and hiring six new staff members, in positions from lab technician to general health-care worker. This donation also supports COVID-19 prevention initiatives, like providing masks, hand sanitizer and education.
All of these services are made easily accessible through 10 static testing labs located in populated areas where workers live.
What’s Next
The health and safety of our supply-chain workers and their communities depend on sustained support. We have committed to three additional years of funding for MAMATA that will continue to support the medical services already in place. The money will also benefit the development of other requested programs, such as a daycare and an early childhood development center for the children of Youngone - KSL workers.
