This problem is too complexed to be solved completely, but there are ways to manage the immedate problems, and help children in these situations.
To combat the problem of a high demand for child labor In the fashion supply chain, people need to be more educated on the effects of child labor. Learning and teaching others about where their clothes come from, and the the true producers of brands may help people shop more sustainably. Being educated can help people learn who to shop from, and who to vote for in office. Most importantly, if people know the children who are being hurt making these clothes, they may be de-incentivised to buy from brands that use child labor, and support brands who do not.
(Institute for Human Education)
Education also plays into learning about what companies are Fair Trade Certified. If you are unable to buy used, trade, or make it yourself, make sure to learn about the companies that are Fair Trade Certified, Fairtrade America, and Goodweave Label to make sure those companies are using good practices.
(Insitute for Human Education)
Businesses play a crucial role in combating the problem of child labor within the supply chain. Implementing policies and actions within the work place can help create a foundation of ethical practices that can ensure no form of exploitation of workers. Businesses can introduce management procedures to address and identify the problem and overall prevent child labor practices. Along with monitoring their suppliers code of conduct and their suppliers to ensure no exploitation across the field. Also, businesses can gain certification through joining the ILO Child Labor Platform. This platform brings employers, workers, and governments together to correlate actions and utilize various resources to combat child labor together.
Source: “Business Actions to Eliminate Child Labour: Un Global Compact.” Business Actions to Eliminate Child Labour | UN Global Compact, unglobalcompact.org/take-action/business-actions-to-eliminate-child-labour.
It is important within businesses and activism actions to continue monitoring progress on the effectiveness of the remedies applied. This could include evaluations and various feedback to monitor the overall efficacy of remedies applied within the workplace to help contribute to the end of child labor. Continual monitoring will help the Improvement of remedies and overall contribute to ethical and sustainable work practices.
Source: “Business Actions to Eliminate Child Labour: Un Global Compact.” Business Actions to Eliminate Child Labour | UN Global Compact, unglobalcompact.org/take-action/business-actions-to-eliminate-child-labour.
To address the economic problems, there needs to be a combined effort to improve rural livelihoods and incomes, especially targeting small family farms and businesses where child labor is often prevalent. This requires ensuring fair wages for all workers, including adults, and fair prices for products. Additionally promoting the transition from informal to formal employment is essential, as it provides better rights, protections, and opportunities for advancement. Moreover, labor market policies must be restructured to create decent work opportunities for adults and youth of working age. This includes investing in job training programs and skills development initiatives to help individuals with the necessary capabilities for earning a living. Furthermore, implementing procedures to support small-scale family businesses in becoming workable without the need for child labor is crucial. This might involve providing access to financial resources, technical assistance, and innovative technologies to help increase productivity and efficiency.
From a political standpoint, there must be a commitment to implementing and enforcing robust labor laws that protect children's rights and ensure their access to education. Governments need to invest significantly in social protection programs and education initiatives, particularly in rural areas where child labor prevalence is high. Additionally, encourages collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations such as charities, and international groups to work together to effectively enforce these rules.
Changes in our cultural system need to have a fundamental shift in attitudes towards child labor. Societal norms must prioritize the well-being and development of children, promoting alternatives to child labor such as education and job training. This requires comprehensive awareness campaigns and educational programs aimed at challenging existing perceptions and stereotypes surrounding child labor. Furthermore, encouraging communities to take charge and work together is essential for building environments where child labor is not accepted and where children's rights are upheld.
Sources:
Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and programmes. First edition (2017): Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and programmes. (2017, Novermeber 13). https://www.ilo.org/ipec/Informationresources/WCMS_IPEC_PUB_29875/lang--en/index.htm
Kelly Scott, K. M. (n.d.). Nine ways to mitigate risk of child labor across the Supply Chain: Blog: Sustainable Business Network and consultancy. BSR. https://www.bsr.org/en/blog/nine-ways-to-mitigate-risk-of-child-labor-across-the-supply-chain