Throughout ETI's Gender Responsive Action Community (GRACE) programme, we observed some impressive and innovative developments and future possibilities. As part of our series reflecting on the project, this blog highlights some of the key developments.

A major early step was the adoption of a strategic and structured approach, including the use of a specially designed gender-maturity assessment template (GMAT). Brands also piloted a supplier questionnaire on GBVH and gender-responsive risk assessment, and and supported suppliers to develop and test new anti-GBVH policies. On the one hand, small brands showed they can drive rapid change and coordinate sustainability efforts with their contracting and buying functions and suppliers. On the other hand, larger companies can have a greater resource impact, undertake large-scale projects, deliver practical outcomes through country teams, and exert significant influence on suppliers. 

Regardless of the size, setting out clear expectations on suppliers is essential, as are effective ways to monitor and provide support for suppliers in meeting expectations, for example, to establish trusted and safe reporting channels, gender-responsive risk assessment, non-discrimination and non-retaliation policies, and medical and psychosocial support for survivors, which are the foundation for building capacity and impact. 

One of the objectives of GRACE was to provide practical advice for ETI member brands to help them develop and implement actions that are relevant to where they are, whether they are just starting, have made some progress, or are well on the way to making progress. One of the outcomes of this process is the ETI GRACE GBVH Prevention Toolkit, which draws on the learning and discussions with members to provide brands, suppliers and supply-chain partners with a comprehensive, gender-responsive human rights due diligence (GRHRDD) framework to prevent, identify, mitigate and remediate GBVH in the A&T supply chains. 

The toolkit provides practical, step-by-step guidance, including:

• a supplier self-assessment,
• a model GBVH policy,
• risk-assessment checklists,
• guidance on conducting participatory safety walks,
• prevention-plan templates,
• monitoring and reporting tools,
• and survivor-centred remediation processes. 

Case studies (such as those from H&M, the Maitri Project, and the Dindigul Agreement) illustrate good practice. At the same time, an accompanying implementation pathway supports companies at different maturity levels in progressively strengthening systems, embedding accountability, collaborating with unions and experts, and driving long-term culture change across supply chains.

GRACE was funded by eight participating member companies and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the STITCH programme. The toolkit is available now to all ETI members.

Read tomorrow’s blog about the lessons from the project.

Blog post

Why a Community of Practice is required

Reflections on ETI’s GRACE project that tackles GBVH in the apparel and textile sector by Dr. Jane Pillinger. The first in a new five-part blog series.

Read more