This session will present HomeNet International’s study on home-based workers in 12 locations across Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Latin America, on the socio-economic challenges they encounter in the garment and footwear supply chains.

Involving over 724 predominantly female home-based workers (HBWs), the study highlights critical issues such as unfair wages, irregular work, long working hours, lack of labour law protection, limited social protection, poor working conditions, and inadequate documentation that hinders their recognition by governments.

To address these challenges, the session will offer actionable recommendations aimed at improving HBW engagement in policymaking, ensuring that efforts to strengthen due diligence are grounded in their lived experiences, while also highlighting the vital role of organizations representing HBWs in advocating for their rights and helping companies governments better understand their needs and challenges.