I am the first to admit that nearly 100% of the times I purchase clothes I don’t think about who made the item or who receives the credit for it. Hidden behind factory doors are men, women and children who make my clothes. We, as consumers and children of God have a duty to think about those behind the seams of our cheap clothes. News stories about dangerous factories are too many and stories about fair wages and treatment are too few. In April 2013, a factory in Bangladesh collapsed killing 1,130 people. The factory was associated with brands such as Primark and Walmart, brands we are all familiar with. You might even own something made in that very factory. This is why cheap labour and factories are such an important thing to pray about, we are so closely connected, yet we don’t always realise.
It is difficult to think that slavery still happens in this day and age, and in our own country - but it does and the shocking reality is that many of us are likely to have benefited from it. By purchasing ‘fast-fashion’ items, you may be directly contributing to the mistreatment of the workers. Victims of trafficking are exploited every second of every day, forced to work excessive hours, in dangerous conditions for little to no money.
But, we have the ability and power to change this. Simply acknowledging the people behind our clothes and in the factories is the first step to changing the situation. This situation is not hopeless, we are loved by the Almighty who can change every heart and every situation. We can help support organisations such as Krochet Kids (http://www.krochetkids.org) and Not For Sale, who use systems of empowerment to break cycles of modern-day slavery. By teaching those rescued from trafficking skills and a means to earn money, they are empowered. These organisations focus on helping people in the now and allowing them to support themselves. These acts of empowerment are sustainable; the skills that are taught can be used anywhere and at any time. By supporting them you are also supporting their families and supporting a tangible change within their community.
As a student it can be hard to avoid cheap purchases and instead invest money in more expensive things, but this small difference for us can change someone’s life. Even buying from places such as charity shops can help these situations or re-using clothes rather than buying new ones. Look at the labels on your clothes and try to think about the person who made them. Pray for change and hope to be installed in their lives.
Let us keep praying for and supporting initiatives that help those in need by providing skills and experience. Let us pray for the continued growth and impact of such initiatives and charities.
Pray for those in situations of bonded and cheap labour.
Pray for companies in charge of these factories, pray that they make decisions to change the lives of their employees.
Let us pray for guidance and knowledge in our purchases and consumerism.