Exhibition reveals struggles, achievements of women in Bengaluru's garment industry

Bengaluru: An archive exhibition titled, 'Living with the Needle and Thread: Garment Workers and Their Struggles' was held at the Devaraj Urs Gallery, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, on Saturday.

Organised by the Garments and Textile Workers Union (GATWU) and Garments Mahila Karmikara Munnade, the exhibition aimed to bring to light the lives and contributions of Bengaluru's five lakh garment workers, most of whom are women.

The exhibition covered three main themes introducing the garment industry and its working conditions, showcasing the activities of Garments Mahila Karmikara Munnade in recognising women workers' dual identity as workers and women.

"The exhibition showcases the struggles and achievements of women garment workers in Bengaluru," said Pratibha R President (GATWU). "We hope to create awareness about the issues faced by these workers and the efforts being made to address them."

Through photos and infographics, the working conditions faced by these workers from production torture and low wages to harassment are showcased.

Also highlighting the central role of women in the industry, a shift from the male dominated workforce of the early 2000s. The displays emphasise how these workers not only contribute significantly to the export economy but also serve as the backbone of Bengaluru's local economies.

The launch of a new website, 'Stitching Lives, Organising Workers', which will serve as a digital archive of their history will be unveiled by garment workers on Sunday.

The exhibition, implemented by the India Foundation for the Arts, is open to the public until Sunday.