ShinWon Corporation, a leading global apparel manufacturer, has hosted representatives from RISE (Reimagining Industry to Support Equality), together with global brands and partner organisations, at its Guatemala subsidiary Fashion Stitch Guatemala, S.A. The visit focused on reviewing workplace conditions and strengthening collaborative approaches to advance women workers’ rights.

As RISE expands its programmes across Central America, the visit provided an opportunity for brands, suppliers and partners to reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing equality across the apparel sector through evidence-based action and open dialogue. Discussions centred on women worker empowerment initiatives, environmental, social and governance performance, and financial literacy and savings programmes.

The delegation included senior ShinWon executives, RISE representatives and core partners from global brands and non-governmental organisations. Participants toured production lines, reviewed factory operations and exchanged views on building a locally adapted collaboration model involving brands, vendors and NGOs that reflects the specific needs of workers in Guatemala.

RISE works to accelerate equality for low-income workers in global garment supply chains through collaboration and a strong understanding of workers’ priorities. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has supported more than one million workers worldwide. ShinWon’s chief executive officer, JJ Park, serves as the only apparel vendor representative on the RISE Steering Committee.

During the visit, partners acknowledged Fashion Stitch Guatemala’s efforts to reduce environmental impact through improved energy use and sustainability-focused operational practices. Particular attention was given to ShinWon’s Social Compliance programme, which supports women’s social and economic empowerment through financial literacy training for workers with limited access to digital financial services. The company also contributes two per cent to employee savings deposits, helping workers build long-term financial stability.

The company’s welfare store, S-Mart, also attracted interest. By offering essential goods at prices below local market rates and providing convenient access before and after shifts, the store helps ease household financial pressures and is regarded as a valued employee benefit.

Commenting on the visit, JJ Park said it provided meaningful confirmation that ShinWon’s women worker support framework, developed in collaboration with RISE and global partners, is being effectively implemented at factory level. He added that the company will continue working closely with partners to strengthen capability building and improve workplace conditions across its supply chain.

ShinWon operates 15 entities across 10 countries, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Vietnam, Indonesia and Bangladesh, and employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. Through its diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging committee, the company continues to promote gender equality and enhance women workers’ welfare as part of its inclusive, ESG-driven management approach.

www.shinwon.com