Inditex To Fund University Education For 50 Female Textile Workers In Bangladesh
Inditex, in collaboration with the Asian University for Women (AUW), has launched a scholarship programme aimed at supporting the academic development of female textile workers in Bangladesh. The global fashion retailer will allocate €3.75 million to fund the education of 50 women over the next five years, providing them with access to pre-university and university education.
The scholarship programme seeks to address the gender gap in higher education in Bangladesh, where female university enrollment lags behind that of men. AUW, dedicated to empowering women from all backgrounds, will help equip these women with the skills to become leaders in their communities, workplaces, and beyond.
“At Inditex, we believe empowering women through education is one of the most effective ways to drive meaningful and lasting change,” said Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex. “This programme invests in the future of female workers—our supply chain’s backbone—by offering them the tools to unlock new opportunities and foster progress in their communities.”
Cherie Blair, Chancellor of AUW, emphasized the importance of education in breaking societal barriers, stating, “The partnership between Inditex and AUW shows how opportunities for the most vulnerable can transform their lives. I commend Inditex for this far-reaching commitment to helping talented women realize their potential and contribute to a better future.”
The initiative, set to launch in the upcoming academic year, will cover tuition, accommodation and living expenses for the selected women. The selection process will begin shortly, with informational sessions, interviews and admission tests conducted at Inditex’s partner factories in Bangladesh.
