Fashion Revolution 2018: Meet our Makers!
On 24 April 2013, the Rana Plaza building in Bangladesh collapsed. 1,138 people died and another 2,500 were injured, making it the fourth largest industrial disaster in history. The victims were mostly young women.
That was when the Fashion Revolution was born. There were five garment factories in Rana Plaza, all of which were manufacturing clothing for big global brands.
The Who Made My Clothes? campaign began to transform fashion and urge everyone to question where their clothes come from.
This is the first year that Secret Projects has taken part in the Fashion Revolution. And as part of the campaign, everyday this week we will be inviting you to meet a different one of our makers, all of whom are integral to what we do.
Meet Lissy, our quality control expert. A former quality controller for Fab India, Lissy works in our Bangalore Production Support Unit checking all our products before distribution to ensure they are of the highest quality. We asked Lissy some questions about her work with Secret Projects…
How did you become a quality checker?
I was working in the garment factory as a helper for a year. My supervisor found me diligent and so asked me to take on the role of quality controller. I used to do the measurement and final quality check before products were sent out. This job requires following the entire cycle of the production. But I found the work in the factory very strenuous, and I could not manage it and my family at the same time, as I was never given leave. Then two years ago I came across Secret Projects, and I have been working here ever since.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the Secret Projects?
I am able to work based on a timetable that is convenient for me. I am not in constant fear that I used to have in my previous jobs, as there is very good support.
What impact has being a quality checker with Secret Projects had on you and your family’s life?
Personally, I am happy to be independent. I am able to manage my children’s school fees with the income. This has meant that I have retained my dignity, as I haven’t had to borrow money.
How does it make you feel?
I am no longer stressed, and I feel very happy.
How does it compare to other jobs you have had?
My previous jobs were always based on the management’s needs, whereas this job enables me to negotiate my timetable based on my own schedule.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I hope to be healthy and be able to continue working for a long time. I also hope that Secret Projects scales up with more orders so that I can grow alongside it and eventually be able to build my own house.
What would you like to say to the customers at Secret Projects?
All the work is done by women, and they are empowered through this project. So, I ask that you continue to support the project with orders.
We are very proud that this interview made it onto Fashion Revolution's official Meet the Maker blog.