GITNUX REPORT 2024

Global Sweatshop Statistics: Child Labor, Wages, and Environmental Impact Revealed

Shocking Sweatshop Statistics: 168M child laborers globally, 85% young women, $96/month wages, $3T industry value.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

An estimated 168 million children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labor globally

Statistic 2

An estimated 170 million children are engaged in child labor in the textile and garment industries

Statistic 3

An estimated 260 million children are in employment worldwide, of which 170 million are engaged in child labor

Statistic 4

An estimated 152 million children are victims of child labor, with 73 million in hazardous work

Statistic 5

Globally, 1 in 10 children are involved in child labor

Statistic 6

An estimated 70.9% of child laborers work in agriculture

Statistic 7

48% of all child labor victims are aged 5-11 years

Statistic 8

62.1 million children in Asia and the Pacific are engaged in child labor

Statistic 9

72.1 million African children are engaged in child labor

Statistic 10

10.7 million children in Latin America and the Caribbean are engaged in child labor

Statistic 11

5.4 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in hazardous work

Statistic 12

Approximately 85% of sweatshop workers are young women between the ages of 15-25

Statistic 13

In Cambodia, 90% of garment workers are women

Statistic 14

In India, 80% of home-based garment workers are women

Statistic 15

In Myanmar, 90% of garment workers are women, with an average age of 24

Statistic 16

In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers are women

Statistic 17

In Vietnam, 80% of garment workers are women

Statistic 18

In Indonesia, 78% of garment workers are women

Statistic 19

In Pakistan, 70% of garment workers are women

Statistic 20

In Turkey, 60% of garment workers are women

Statistic 21

In Ethiopia, 80% of garment workers are women

Statistic 22

In Morocco, 70% of garment workers are women

Statistic 23

The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions

Statistic 24

The fashion industry produces 20% of global wastewater

Statistic 25

The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution globally

Statistic 26

The fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually

Statistic 27

The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions

Statistic 28

The fashion industry is responsible for 35% of microplastic pollution in the oceans

Statistic 29

The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global CO2 emissions

Statistic 30

The fashion industry uses 79 billion cubic meters of water per year

Statistic 31

The fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste per year

Statistic 32

The fashion industry is responsible for 24% of insecticide use globally

Statistic 33

The fashion industry uses 1.5 trillion liters of water annually

Statistic 34

The global garment industry is worth an estimated $3 trillion

Statistic 35

The global textile and garment industry employs over 75 million people

Statistic 36

The global apparel market is projected to grow to $2.25 trillion by 2025

Statistic 37

The global textile and apparel market is expected to reach $1.23 trillion by 2024

Statistic 38

The global fast fashion market is expected to grow from $35.8 billion in 2019 to $38.21 billion in 2023

Statistic 39

The global ethical fashion market size was valued at $6.35 billion in 2019

Statistic 40

The global sustainable fashion market is projected to reach $9.81 billion by 2025

Statistic 41

The global second-hand clothing market is expected to reach $64 billion by 2024

Statistic 42

The global textile recycling market is expected to reach $5.3 billion by 2022

Statistic 43

The global organic cotton market is expected to reach $3.7 billion by 2025

Statistic 44

The global eco-friendly textile market is expected to reach $74.7 billion by 2025

Statistic 45

In Bangladesh, garment workers earn an average of $96 per month

Statistic 46

Only 2% of garment workers worldwide earn a living wage

Statistic 47

The average hourly wage for garment workers in Vietnam is $0.62

Statistic 48

Garment workers in Ethiopia earn as little as $26 per month

Statistic 49

Garment workers in Indonesia earn an average of $82 per month

Statistic 50

Garment workers in Cambodia earn an average of $190 per month

Statistic 51

Garment workers in Sri Lanka earn an average of $66 per month

Statistic 52

Garment workers in China earn an average of $280-$540 per month

Statistic 53

Garment workers in India earn an average of $67 per month

Statistic 54

Garment workers in Mexico earn an average of $1.15 per hour

Statistic 55

Garment workers in Thailand earn an average of $271 per month

Statistic 56

Garment workers in the Philippines earn an average of $172 per month

Statistic 57

Sweatshop workers in China work an average of 14-16 hours per day

Statistic 58

In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work

Statistic 59

In Pakistan, 87% of garment workers do not have a written contract

Statistic 60

In China, garment workers often work up to 150 hours of overtime per month

Statistic 61

In India, 60% of garment workers report experiencing verbal abuse at work

Statistic 62

In Bangladesh, 97% of garment factories lack adequate fire safety measures

Statistic 63

In Cambodia, 43.2% of garment workers report fainting at work due to exhaustion and poor working conditions

Statistic 64

In China, 48% of garment workers work more than 11 hours per day

Statistic 65

In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers have experienced or witnessed verbal abuse at work

Statistic 66

In Vietnam, 74% of garment workers report experiencing excessive heat in the workplace

Statistic 67

In Indonesia, 85% of garment workers report experiencing sexual harassment at work

Share:FacebookLinkedIn
Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges

Summary

  • An estimated 168 million children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labor globally
  • Approximately 85% of sweatshop workers are young women between the ages of 15-25
  • In Bangladesh, garment workers earn an average of $96 per month
  • The global garment industry is worth an estimated $3 trillion
  • Sweatshop workers in China work an average of 14-16 hours per day
  • Only 2% of garment workers worldwide earn a living wage
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions
  • An estimated 170 million children are engaged in child labor in the textile and garment industries
  • In Cambodia, 90% of garment workers are women
  • The average hourly wage for garment workers in Vietnam is $0.62
  • The global textile and garment industry employs over 75 million people
  • In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work
  • The fashion industry produces 20% of global wastewater
  • An estimated 260 million children are in employment worldwide, of which 170 million are engaged in child labor
  • In India, 80% of home-based garment workers are women

Buckle up and brace yourselves, fashionistas, as we delve into the dark underbelly of the glamorous world of fashion. Did you know that while we sport the latest trends, an estimated 168 million children toil away in child labor globally, with only 2% of garment workers worldwide earning a living wage? From Bangladesh to China, women aged 15-25 bear the brunt of sweatshop labor, while the industrys worth skyrockets to a staggering $3 trillion. Dive into the eye-opening statistics that make you question: is fashion really worth the high price?

Child Labor

  • An estimated 168 million children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labor globally
  • An estimated 170 million children are engaged in child labor in the textile and garment industries
  • An estimated 260 million children are in employment worldwide, of which 170 million are engaged in child labor
  • An estimated 152 million children are victims of child labor, with 73 million in hazardous work
  • Globally, 1 in 10 children are involved in child labor
  • An estimated 70.9% of child laborers work in agriculture
  • 48% of all child labor victims are aged 5-11 years
  • 62.1 million children in Asia and the Pacific are engaged in child labor
  • 72.1 million African children are engaged in child labor
  • 10.7 million children in Latin America and the Caribbean are engaged in child labor
  • 5.4 million children in sub-Saharan Africa are engaged in hazardous work

Interpretation

Despite these grim statistics, one cannot help but marvel at the impressive efficiency of the global sweatshop industry in exploiting the labor of children worldwide. With over 160 million pint-sized workers toiling away in hazardous conditions, it's clear that child labor is not child's play. From the textile factories of Asia to the cocoa fields of Africa, the business of childhood innocence being snatched away seems to be booming. It's a sad reality that in the grand scheme of things, these statistics are simply child's play to the faceless corporations profiting from their exploitation.

Demographics

  • Approximately 85% of sweatshop workers are young women between the ages of 15-25
  • In Cambodia, 90% of garment workers are women
  • In India, 80% of home-based garment workers are women
  • In Myanmar, 90% of garment workers are women, with an average age of 24
  • In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers are women
  • In Vietnam, 80% of garment workers are women
  • In Indonesia, 78% of garment workers are women
  • In Pakistan, 70% of garment workers are women
  • In Turkey, 60% of garment workers are women
  • In Ethiopia, 80% of garment workers are women
  • In Morocco, 70% of garment workers are women

Interpretation

In a world where fashion trends change faster than you can say "sweatshop statistics," it's important to pause and reflect on who is actually behind the seams of our clothing industry. Young women, often between the ages of 15-25, are the unsung heroes stitching together our fast fashion fix. From Cambodia to Bangladesh, India to Indonesia, these women are the backbone of the garment industry, yet they continue to be overworked and underpaid. It's high time we start seeing the true faces behind our wardrobe choices and demanding better conditions for those who make our clothes look fabulous.

Environmental Impact

  • The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions
  • The fashion industry produces 20% of global wastewater
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of industrial water pollution globally
  • The fashion industry uses 93 billion cubic meters of water annually
  • The fashion industry produces 10% of all humanity's carbon emissions
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 35% of microplastic pollution in the oceans
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 8-10% of global CO2 emissions
  • The fashion industry uses 79 billion cubic meters of water per year
  • The fashion industry produces 92 million tons of waste per year
  • The fashion industry is responsible for 24% of insecticide use globally
  • The fashion industry uses 1.5 trillion liters of water annually

Interpretation

The staggering statistics on the environmental impact of the fashion industry paint a bleak picture of its contribution to the world's carbon emissions, water pollution, and waste production. It seems that for every dazzling new design that hits the runway, there is a trail of destruction left behind in terms of carbon footprints, polluted waterways, and overflowing landfills. The glitz and glamour of the fashion world are tarnished by these alarming figures, serving as a stark reminder that style should not come at the cost of our planet's health. It's high time for the industry to step off the catwalk and onto the sustainable path towards a greener future.

Industry Size

  • The global garment industry is worth an estimated $3 trillion
  • The global textile and garment industry employs over 75 million people
  • The global apparel market is projected to grow to $2.25 trillion by 2025
  • The global textile and apparel market is expected to reach $1.23 trillion by 2024
  • The global fast fashion market is expected to grow from $35.8 billion in 2019 to $38.21 billion in 2023
  • The global ethical fashion market size was valued at $6.35 billion in 2019
  • The global sustainable fashion market is projected to reach $9.81 billion by 2025
  • The global second-hand clothing market is expected to reach $64 billion by 2024
  • The global textile recycling market is expected to reach $5.3 billion by 2022
  • The global organic cotton market is expected to reach $3.7 billion by 2025
  • The global eco-friendly textile market is expected to reach $74.7 billion by 2025

Interpretation

In a world where fashion moves at the speed of a click and trends change faster than a TikTok video, the staggering statistics of the garment industry reveal a complex landscape of numbers and contradictions. While the industry continues to thrive with trillions in revenue and millions employed, the rise of ethical, sustainable, and second-hand fashion markets signals a growing consciousness among consumers. The numbers speak volumes – from the organic cotton market to the textile recycling industry – showing that the push for a more responsible and eco-friendly approach to clothing is not just a passing trend, but a necessary shift towards a more sustainable future. It seems the fashion world is at a crossroads, where profit and conscience must find a way to coexist in a garment of shared values.

Wages

  • In Bangladesh, garment workers earn an average of $96 per month
  • Only 2% of garment workers worldwide earn a living wage
  • The average hourly wage for garment workers in Vietnam is $0.62
  • Garment workers in Ethiopia earn as little as $26 per month
  • Garment workers in Indonesia earn an average of $82 per month
  • Garment workers in Cambodia earn an average of $190 per month
  • Garment workers in Sri Lanka earn an average of $66 per month
  • Garment workers in China earn an average of $280-$540 per month
  • Garment workers in India earn an average of $67 per month
  • Garment workers in Mexico earn an average of $1.15 per hour
  • Garment workers in Thailand earn an average of $271 per month
  • Garment workers in the Philippines earn an average of $172 per month

Interpretation

In a world where fashion trends change faster than you can say "sweatshop", the harsh reality for garment workers is no joke. With wages that barely cover the basics, these stats read like a menu of exploitation, with prices so low it's as if human dignity is on discount. While we proudly wear our fast-fashion finds, it's worth remembering the high cost behind those low price tags. So next time you debate between a $5 shirt or a $50 one, remember that somewhere in the world, a pair of hands stitched it together for a wage that barely keeps them afloat.

Working Conditions

  • Sweatshop workers in China work an average of 14-16 hours per day
  • In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment at work
  • In Pakistan, 87% of garment workers do not have a written contract
  • In China, garment workers often work up to 150 hours of overtime per month
  • In India, 60% of garment workers report experiencing verbal abuse at work
  • In Bangladesh, 97% of garment factories lack adequate fire safety measures
  • In Cambodia, 43.2% of garment workers report fainting at work due to exhaustion and poor working conditions
  • In China, 48% of garment workers work more than 11 hours per day
  • In Bangladesh, 80% of garment workers have experienced or witnessed verbal abuse at work
  • In Vietnam, 74% of garment workers report experiencing excessive heat in the workplace
  • In Indonesia, 85% of garment workers report experiencing sexual harassment at work

Interpretation

The numbers don't lie, and they paint a grim picture of the harsh realities faced by sweatshop workers across the globe. From China to Bangladesh, workers are toiling away for long hours, facing abuse, harassment, and dangerous working conditions. It's a sobering reminder that behind every cheap piece of clothing lies a human cost that is often overlooked in the pursuit of profit. As consumers, we have a responsibility to demand better treatment and conditions for those who make the clothes we wear. Sweatshop statistics may be just numbers on a page, but they represent the struggles and suffering of real people who deserve more humane treatment.

References