For the past few months we managed to raise 20 000 Euros, a big share of this sum was covered by the International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT). For 10 000 Euros, the FGWM already ordered pads and started distributing inside factories them: 5 packages each to 5 000 workers in total. It was the FGWM who approached us with this idea in the first place and asked the FAU/ICL to support their actions.

While the fundraiser kicked off already, a severe earthquake hit Myanmar. Many houses and urban infrastructure were destroyed. Consequently we decided to open up the fundraiser to additionally support 200 families of workers who are affected by the earthquake with powerbanks, tarps and mosquito nets. Again, it were the members of FGWM who told us what they needed and what we should collect the funds for.

We are aware of the complexity when it comes to organizing money flows from people in “the West” to people in Southeast Asia, since such projects always contain hierarchies. At the same time we acknowledge that much of the wealth is accumulated in “the West” because of the exploitation in poverty striken regions with very low wages. Therefore we see a clear responsibility on our part to organize redistribution. Even if this is just a tiny share, we try to make a step towards the right direction.

We don't do charity: At the same time, we support the fight of our comrades who are fighting for a life of dignity. We organize demonstrations, like the one on March 8th in Hamburg, in front of the stores of brands whose labels are printed on products made in Myanmar, such as Only, H&M, Zara, Hunkemöller, NewYorker, Lululemon, and Adidas. In labor struggles, we address the management of the brands and factories on various levels. And occasionally, we raise money. As people in a more privileged part of the world – like Europe – we are directly connected to the sweat and labor of factory workers through the supply chain. Therefore, we have the responsibility to do our part in ending exploitation.

The comrades need support to keep up their struggles. Together we already raised money to finance safe houses, support for families of union members who lost their jobs because of their involvement in protests, pay for medical treatment or plan organizing workshops for workers. With our last fundraiser menstrual products were provided because the workers could not afford them anymore and risked infections when using left over fabric from the factories instead.

At the same time we – comrades of FAU and comrades of FGWM – rallied for free availability of menstrual products inside the factories, clean sanitary facilities and menstrual leave. Hang Kei factory – producing for Hunkemöller – did react and since May 2025 the toilets get cleaned regularly, there are menstrual pads in the factory clinic for all who need them, they installed ACs and there is a room for mothers who are nursing. It’s only one factory of many that we were reaching out to, but it is a start! Die Fabrik Hang Kei, die für Hunkemöller produziert, hat reagiert und seit Mai 2025 werden die Toiletten regelmäßig geputzt, es werden Binden in der Fabrik bereitgestellt für alle, die sie brauchen, es wurden Klimaanlagen installiert und es gibt einen Rückzugsraum für stillende Mütter. Es ist nur eine von vielen Fabriken, an die wir uns gewandt haben, aber es ist ein Anfang!

We need more comrades who support our joined actions so we can put more pressure on brands and factory owners around the world. It’s worth it.

Thank you all for supporting us!

Further information can be found here: https://www.fgwm-solidarity.org/

Solidarity is our weapon!
Dare to fight – dare to win!