We were honored to welcome buyers from the EU and the UK to Hawassa Industrial Park this Monday November 11,2024! Their tour showcased our state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, efficient management systems, high-quality products, and the vibrant industry culture cultivated over the years. As buyers seek to de-risk and diversify their sourcing destinations, this visit helps establish new connections and opens doors for diversifying our export markets. To facilitate further networking, the #HawassaIndustrialPark Investors Association hosted a lunch event at Haile Resort, bringing together buyers and manufacturers for meaningful connections. A special thank you to the German and UK governments for their support (#ITC #SIC #GIZ), and to #IPDC #EIC #MIdI for your invaluable assistance in making this visit a success.

Sexual harassment in the workplace remains a significant issue, particularly in the garment and textile industries. Recognizing the detrimental effects of such behavior, CARE Ethiopia has initiated a targeted intervention through the STOP Program, which has shown success in the pilot companies. The current initiative, supported by GIZ, aims to create a Safe Work Environment, cultivate a community that actively opposes harassment, and ensure that all remaining companies in HIP adopt the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy. To achieve this goal, the following activities have been executed: Contribution: Factories have begun incorporating anti-sexual harassment policies into their HR guidelines and practices. As a result, workers are now experiencing a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment, with measures implemented to ensure a safe working environment for women.

The Hawassa Industrial Park Investors Association has taken a significant step forward by officially registering as an employers’ association with the Sidama Regional State Labor, Skill, and Enterprise Authority. This formal recognition opens new avenues for the association to foster constructive relationships between employers and employees within the industrial park. By obtaining this status, the association is now positioned to enhance awareness among its members regarding current labor laws, regulations, guidelines, and relevant policy statements. This knowledge-sharing role will equip members to better understand and navigate the evolving labor landscape in Ethiopia. As an employers’ association, the organization is also empowered to engage in advocacy, with the ability to lobby the government for the development and reform of labor laws and regulations. It can make recommendations during the drafting and amendment stages of these policies, ensuring that the interests of both employers and the wider workforce are represented. In addition, the association now has the authority to organize networking events, conduct research, and hold familiarization forums and training sessions. These initiatives will allow members to stay informed, develop best practices, and engage with each other on shared challenges and opportunities within the sector. The association’s new status also grants it oversight capabilities, enabling it to monitor the implementation of labor-related laws and ensure they are observed in a consistent and fair manner. This step solidifies the association’s role as a vital contributor to a fair and thriving work environment within the Hawassa Industrial Park.

The Hawassa Industrial Park Investors Association, in partnership with GIZ Sustainable Industrial Cluster, has officially adopted a comprehensive policy aimed at combating sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse within the park’s factories. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about these issues, promote preventive measures, and foster a safe and respectful environment for all employees. The policy marks a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of workers at Hawassa Industrial Par

Step into the vibrant world of Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP), where factories not only contribute significantly to Ethiopia’s foreign currency earnings and GDP, but also serve as catalysts for job creation on a massive scale. These factories are not just economic powerhouses; they are also sources of immense pride as they proudly bear the label ‘Made in Ethiopia.’ Their products have found their way onto the shelves of prestigious retailers in America, Europe, and Canada, effectively showcasing the quality and craftsmanship of our nation to the world.  But the impact of these factories goes beyond economic success. They are committed to the well-being of their workers and actively engage in various corporate social responsibility initiatives. From empowering women through dedicated programs to organizing blood donation drives and participating in numerous charitable activities, these companies are making a tangible difference in the lives of their employees and the communities they operate in.  Blood donation campaign at Indochine Facility The factories at HIP are not just about production and profit; they are about creating a positive ripple effect that extends far beyond their walls. By prioritizing the welfare of their workers and actively giving back to society, these factories are setting a shining example for others to follow. They are not just shaping the future of Ethiopia’s industrial landscape; they are also shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. So, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of Hawassa Industrial Park and the factories within it. They are not only driving economic growth and putting Ethiopia on the global map, but they are also making a lasting impact on the lives of their workers and the communities they serve. Together, they are transforming the face of industry and proving that success can be achieved hand in hand with social responsibility. In a groundbreaking collaboration between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Ethiopian Business Disability Network, a transformative workshop on maternal health and disability inclusion was held, bringing together all the factories at Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP) and other key stakeholders. This workshop served as a platform to recognize HIP as a trailblazer among industrial parks in Ethiopia. The factories within HIP have gone above and beyond to create disability-inclusive workplaces, employing individuals with disabilities and implementing reasonable accommodations to ensure their working environments are tailored to their needs. Let’s take a look at some of these companies that have championed disability inclusion and maternal health and have created a healthy and happy working atmosphere in their factories. Hela: Nurturing Mothers and Embracing Inclusivity Hela Sumbi is the largest bra manufacturer in East Africa and its subsidiary company Hela produces women’s panties. The company has launched a women empowerment project known as ‘Unleash her’. This project has various schemes to keep the well-being of women workers and ultimately empower them to be productive members of the society. Step into the extraordinary world of Hela, where compassion and inclusivity reign supreme. This remarkable factory not only produces exceptional intimate apparel but also goes above and beyond to prioritize the well-being of its employees, particularly pregnant mothers. Recognizing the critical importance of nutrition during pregnancy, Hela provides free nutritious meals to expectant mothers every single day. This thoughtful gesture ensures that both the mother and the precious life growing within her womb receive the essential nutrients needed for a healthy journey. But Hela’s commitment doesn’t stop there. Once a pregnant worker reaches the five-month mark, they are relieved from engaging in heavy tasks, allowing them to focus on their well-being and the well-being of their unborn child. To further support their journey, Hela’s dedicated medical team provides comprehensive prenatal care throughout the entire pregnancy, ensuring that every mother receives the attention and care they deserve. But Hela’s dedication to maternal health doesn’t end with childbirth. After giving birth, new mothers are granted two hours of paid time every day to breastfeed their babies. This invaluable support not only promotes the health and bonding between mother and child but also recognizes the importance of this precious time in a baby’s early development. To make this process even more seamless, Hela goes the extra mile by facilitating transportation for these mothers, ensuring they can easily commute to and from work while still prioritizing their little ones. However, Hela’s commitment to inclusivity extends far beyond maternal health. They have created an inclusive work environment by actively employing individuals with disabilities. By embracing diversity and providing equal opportunities, Hela sets an inspiring example for other companies to follow. Their dedication to inclusivity not only enriches the lives of their employees but also fosters a culture of acceptance and understanding within the workplace. Pregnant workers having nutritious meal at Hela and medical checkup at the factory’s clinic EPIC Group: Empowering Women and Embracing Diversity at HIP Prepare to be amazed by the incredible strides made by EPIC Group, a multinational company specializing in men’s, women’s and children’s clothing production at Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP). Not only are they creating a huge impact in revolutionizing the garment industry in Ethiopia , but they are also leading the charge in empowering women through their groundbreaking project, ‘enate ena lije’. EPIC Group understands the importance of supporting pregnant mothers, just like their esteemed counterpart, Hela.   At their state-of-the-art clinics, EPIC Group offers comprehensive pre and post-natal medical checkups, guaranteeing that every mother receives the utmost care and attention during this transformative journey. But EPIC Group’s commitment to pregnant mothers doesn’t stop there. They go above and beyond by providing special meals four times a day, tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of expectant mothers. Recognizing the importance of rest, EPIC Group also grants pregnant mothers the right to a one-hour break at their clinic facility, allowing them to recharge and prioritize their health. EPIC Group also take a compassionate approach to address the challenges faced by single mothers, offering guidance and raising awareness to prevent any involvement in abortion. Moreover, EPIC Group provides financial support to these courageous single

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Worker Wellness Alliance (WWA) project presents an agile and measurable platform for worker, community, government and private-sector engagement that aligns and supports Ethiopia in its Journey to Self reliance. Worker Wellness Alliance works in Hawassa City, which is home to the largest industrial park in Ethiopia. Industrial parks are new to the country, so WWA works with key stakeholders to adopt outside-the-park initiatives aimed at fostering stable, resilient and prosperous communities. Targeting two populations — newly recruited female factory workers and host community members — WWA implements interventions to support the arrival and integration of workers into the community of Hawassa City and increasing the ability of communities to benefit from the region’s growing population and expanding industrial base. To this end, Plan Ethiopia has established welcome centers both at the park and in the community and the below services have been offered by the center:  Distribution of info booklet and mobile airtime for female factory workers Dissemination and free mobile card top up to newly recruited workers at the park welcome center Organizing recreational activities at the welcome center Providing lodging service to new workers who arrive from the catchment area at the community welcome center established in Dato Kebele. In addition, WWA facilitates the provision of grant/subgrant to local shops in different kebeles where workers dwell & allow workers to purchase products with discounted price. It works to Integrate  workers with the host community through organizing community conversation It also organizes  training on gender based violence and reproductive health.

Plan International USA seeking support from The Children’s Place, as per the social change mandates of both organizations and most synergistic area of need has designed and developed a project known as Parenting the Children’s Place. The project realized the majority of the female workers arriving into Hawassa Industrial Park faced major challenges that if they have children and are able, they leave their children with their families in their home communities. Those without the option of family care, bring their children to Hawassa where the already scanty child care options are either too expensive or are focused only on vulnerable or orphaned youth and increasing reports of abandoned babies and children, as the workers do not have options or resources to provide adequate care while they are working their shifts within the IP. This issue has been raised by both workers and community members as well as the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth as a priority support service for the rapidly increasing young, female population. As a result, through its programs, plan international Ethiopia is currently implementing a project entitled as “establishing a community-based Childcare/Early Childhood Development center adjacent to the Hawassa Industrial Park (HIP) funded by The Children’s Place. The center is now providing: Service to 50 mothers whose babies are from six months to three years old. O these, 36 of them are mothers who are working at Hawassa Indutrial Park. The center has started providing full-fledged services since February 2022. It has a plan to expand its service in the future and host 150 babies in a year.

This program is being implemented by Care with a fund from PVH and GIZ. Since the program started in March 2021,265 operators are trained and graduated. The training program comprises six modules including communication, Time and Stress Management, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Financial Literacy etc… The program is implemented in 5 Companies (Century Garments, JP textile, PVHAM, Sumbiri and Hela Indochina) to improve the skills of 4000 FGWs.

In addition to personal advancement and Career enhancement training, Care Ethiopia is also conducting a project in the community which is known as ’Buna Tetu’. Under this project, trainings have been provided for 250 garment workers on Communications, Time and Stress Management, Problem Solving, so and so forth. Additional services which are offered under this project incorporate: Financial Literacy etc. as well as legal and health literacy in the center Health and legal counselling The workers form in groups to receive trainings, identify problems they face and bring solutions to their problems through an advisory committee Community Theatre on select topics Fair Price Shop outside IPDC providing maize flour, oil, pads, etc The platform creates an opportunity for the park workers to spend stress-free time and gain skills, contributing to retention and productivity at the Park.

BRIDGES is a five-year programme that aims to create employment opportunities for youth by unlocking the job creation potential of industrial parks (IPs) and other anchor enterprises (AEs) and their surrounding ecosystem including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). BRIDGES employment linkage was officially launched at HIP on October 1st, 2020. The projects that were handed over to Bridges from EP include: Bridge has been providing the below services to Hawassa Industrial Park: ▪ The labor database The program provides a digitalized matching of HIP labour demand with the supply of job seekers through sustainable sourcing, screening, grading, job placement and training mechanisms. Provision of basic soft skills induction training that improves performance on the factory floor and worker engagement, motivation and expectation. ▪ Tatari project Tatari is an integrated scheme of recurrent saving, which will be leveraged to access loan that diligent workers to set up and run a viable MSMES with additional multi-level support from government. In short term, TATARI works to improve the labor, mobilization, retention and performance, while, in the long term, the young workforce would change the perception that considers factories as a learning ground to a better future.