The environmental toll of the textile and garment sector is staggering: mountains of fabric waste, and carbon-heavy transport crisscrossing the globe. These impacts aren’t abstract—they are experienced firsthand by workers and their communities.

Since the 2021 military coup, communities across Myanmar have faced escalating violence, displacement, and political repression. Yet, women, especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds, continue to lead community organising and advocacy efforts.

In countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, journalists investigating corruption, environmental destruction, or military abuses have faced violence, including targeted killings and legal harassment.

When Lidia de Jesus looks back at her life just a few years ago, she remembers fear, isolation and uncertainty. Today, she is helping lead a national movement for domestic workers in Timor-Leste. 

The Viet Nam Women’s Academy, in collaboration with the Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, held an international workshop in Ha Noi called “Enhancing Opportunities for Women Candidates to be Elected to People’s Councils at All Levels”.