Crowdfunding: Distribution inside the factories started!
For the past few months we managed to raise 20 000 Euros, a big share of this sum was covered by the International Confederation of Labour (ICL-CIT). For 10 000 Euros, the FGWM already ordered pads and started distributing inside factories them: 5 packages each to 5 000 workers in total. It was the FGWM who approached us with this idea in the first place and asked the FAU/ICL to support their actions.
While the fundraiser kicked off already, a severe earthquake hit Myanmar. Many houses and urban infrastructure were destroyed. Consequently we decided to open up the fundraiser to additionally support 200 families of workers who are affected by the earthquake with powerbanks, tarps and mosquito nets. Again, it were the members of FGWM who told us what they needed and what we should collect the funds for.
We are aware of the complexity when it comes to organizing money flows from people in “the West” to people in Southeast Asia, since such projects always contain hierarchies. At the same time we acknowledge that much of the wealth is accumulated in “the West” because of the exploitation in poverty striken regions with very low wages. Therefore we see a clear responsibility on our part to organize redistribution. Even if this is just a tiny share, we try to make a step towards the right direction.
We don’t do charity: we support our comrades’ struggle who are fighting for a life in dignity. We are organizing rallies in front of brands whose labels are printed on the products made in Myanmar, such as Only, H&M, Zara, Hunkemöller, NewYorker, Lululemon and Adidas. In case of labour struggles we are reaching out to the management of the brands and the factories on different levels. And occasionally we’re collecting money.
As people in the more privileged part of world – such as Europe – we are directly connected with the sweat and labour of factory workers through the supply chain. Therefore we have a responsibility to do our part to end exploitation.
The comrades need support to keep up their struggles. Together we already raised money to finance safe houses, support for families of union members who lost their jobs because of their involvement in protests, pay for medical treatment or plan organizing workshops for workers. With our last fundraiser menstrual products were provided because the workers could not afford them anymore and risked infections when using left over fabric from the factories instead.
At the same time we – comrades of FAU and comrades of FGWM – rallied for free availability of menstrual products inside the factories, clean sanitary facilities and menstrual leave. Hang Kei factory – producing for Hunkemöller – did react and since May 2025 the toilets get cleaned regularly, there are menstrual pads in the factory clinic for all who need them, they installed ACs and there is a room for mothers who are nursing. It’s only one factory of many that we were reaching out to, but it is a start!
We need more comrades who support our joined actions so we can put more pressure on brands and factory owners around the world. It’s worth it.
Thank you all for supporting us!
Solidarity is our weapon!
Dare to fight – Dare to win!
Crowdfunding successful – Time to get started!
May 31, 2025 is over. It’s time for an initial assessment.
Revenue via gofundme (as of June 4, 2025) after deduction of fees: EUR 3,643.96
Total transfers directly to the FAU Hamburg account: EUR 9,657.00
On June 15, 2025, the FAU Dresden general assembly will decide whether the syndicate will also contribute an amount.
The Liaison Committee of the ICL (International Confederation of Labour) has decided to pay the remaining amount up to the target sum of EUR 20,000. We are very happy about this! This gives us planning security and allows us to start with the implementation!
The first tranche was transferred to the comrade of FGWM on the ground. The initial focus is on ordering and distributing the menstrual pads to 5,000 workers inside factories.
More news on this will be available here in the coming days!
If you would like to support the work of FGWM beyond this crowdfunding, you are welcome to continue making contributions (also via the gofundme page). All proceeds will be forwarded to FGWM and will help to carry out labor struggles in industrial areas of Yangon.
By the way, a total of 79 private individuals and, among others, nine syndicates of the Free Workers’ Union (FAU), as well as the CNT in Spain, USI in Italy, and the ICL as an organization, actively participated in the crowdfunding campaign. Thank you very much for your support!
Crowdfunding: In solidarity with (factory) workers in Myanmar (after the earthquake in March 2025)
Background
The devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28th has worsened the local emergency situation dramatically. In order to better meet the current needs on the ground, we have decided, together with the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM), to expand our crowdfunding programme, which we originally intended to use exclusively to finance menstrual products.
GOAL: at least 20,000 EUR
DEADLINE: May 31st 2025
DISTRIBUTION to 5,000 workers: June 2025
10,000 EUR remain earmarked for menstrual products, while a further 10,000 EUR (and everything beyond) will be spent on other essential everyday products. The goods will be distributed in packages. Members of the Federation of General Workers Myanmar (FGWM) are responsible for the local distribution. The factory unions are currently compiling a list of goods that are prioritised for distribution.
The packages are mainly distributed by factory workers in Yangon, who in turn can support their family members in rural regions. Many have lost their homes in the earthquake and are dependent on support.
This action is part of a broader campaign for better sanitary facilities, free menstrual products in factories and the right to take paid sick leave during your period. Factory owners and clothing brands are being specifically confronted, and we have already achieved initial successes.
Menstrual products for all who need them!
What can you do?
Support the crowdfunding, which we coordinate, manage and implement together with friends of the FGWM. People on the local level decide what they need. This crowdfunding embodies self-organised solidarity. There are no deductions for administrative costs (apart from the fees charged by the gofundme platform).
There are two ways to participate:
Firstly via the platform gofundme.org:
But contributions can also be transfered directly to the account of the grassroot labour union FAU (Free Workers’ Union) Hamburg (this way fees charged by gofundme can be bypassed):
Account holder: AS FAU Hamburg
IBAN: DE43 4306 0967 2070 7898 00
BIC: GENODEM1GLS
Bank name: GLS Bank
Reference: FGWM solidarity
Materials
You can also help to inform other people in your neighbourhood about the whole initiative. For example, May Day is a good time to show practical solidarity.
For this purpose we have created leaflets and posters:
For the leaflet in pdf check out the DOWNLOADS section.
The latest updates on the campaign are listed in the NEWS section.
Questions or comments? You can reach us via info@fgwm-solidarity.org.
Solidarity against Patriarchy – worldwide!
#FGWMsolidarity