Spanish clothing giant Inditex has partnered with the Asian University for Women to introduce a new scholarship program designed to promote the professional advancement of female textile factory workers in Bangladesh. The initiative will provide funding of €3.75 million (approximately $4.14 million), allowing 50 women to pursue pre-university and university education over the next five years, thereby creating new avenues for personal and professional development.
The issue of access to higher education for women is particularly pressing in Bangladesh, where the enrollment of females in universities is growing at a slower pace compared to their male counterparts. In this regard, AUW is committed to empowering women from diverse backgrounds, providing them with the skills necessary to become qualified professionals, community leaders, and advocates for economic and cultural progress.
“At Inditex, we believe that empowering women through education is one of the most effective ways to drive lasting and meaningful change in these communities. Through this scholarship program, we are investing in the future of female workers—the backbone of our supply chain—by providing them with the tools to unlock new opportunities and foster progress within their communities,” stated Inditex CEO Óscar García Maceiras.
“In an era of unprecedented uncertainty in global affairs, the collaboration between Inditex and the Asian University for Women underscores the importance of providing opportunities for society’s most vulnerable. As the first person in my family to attend university, I understand how transformative higher education can be in opening doors that may seem beyond reach. I applaud Inditex for this significant commitment, which enhances AUW’s capacity to discover and nurture talent in unexpected places, enabling them to contribute to a better future for themselves and the world,” said Cherie Blair, Chancellor of the Asian University for Women.
This initiative is scheduled to commence in the upcoming academic year, enabling 50 female textile workers in Bangladesh to have their tuition, accommodation, and living costs covered for five years. The selection process will begin soon and will take place at Inditex’s supply chain factories within the country. As part of this process, AUW will hold informational sessions, selection interviews, and admission tests at the participating factories for all interested employees.
